High water safety: Boaters reminded to stay smart during this year’s runoff
Flows on the Gallatin River near Gallatin Gateway reached 5,050 cubic feet per second on Wednesday morning with rain and snowmelt fueling the torrent. In the midst of the Mad Mile a short drive up Gallatin Canyon, kayakers and rafters tested their skill on the surging waves.
With mountain snowpack across the state at historic levels, boaters are looking forward to an extended whitewater season. But high flows and variable weather could also mean trouble for the unprepared.
“I don’t think people make light of whitewater, but they think they can sneak by it,” said Mike Garcia, owner of Northern Lights Trading Co. and a longtime area boater. “They think it is not that hard, we can get through. But with the high water and colder temperatures, it is going to sneak up on some people.”
Garcia said this year’s mountain snowpack and heavy rains could lead to the highest flows he’s seen since moving to Bozeman in 1976. He said boaters should be aware of river conditions, have properly-equipped crafts and be prepared for dramatic weather changes before putting in.
Garcia said one the greatest risks for high water boaters is hypothermia.
“You can launch at nine in the morning in 80-degree heat and by the afternoon it could be 40,” he said. “That is not a pipedream in Montana. That happens all the time.
“There is going to be a lot of cold water coming out of the mountains for a lot longer this year. Your state of preparedness needs to be a summer-long thought process this year.”
Wearing a wetsuit and keeping a dry bag with warm clothes securely attached to your boat is the best defense against frigid conditions, Garcia said.
But it doesn’t need to be chilly outside to be cold in the river.
Chris Zelzer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Great Falls, said the melting snowpack that drains into rivers during the evening hours can be very cold. It is not uncommon for river temperatures to be in the 30s and 40s through the heat of June.
Another concern is wood and debris in the river channel. During runoff large trees, boulders and other objects may be swept into the river and lodged in unexpected places. The river can literally change hour by hour, minute by minute.
“There were two logs jammed up on House Rock (on the Gallatin River) Tuesday,” said Bill Zell, owner of Montana Whitewater which offers rafting trips on the river. “Runoff is when trees come down. You should scout the river on the way upstream and watch for deadfall. If it is in a place you can’t get around, don’t run it.”
Garcia said experienced boaters are excited for a long whitewater season, but they too need to be ready for unusually-high flows. He said boaters accustom to running the Gallatin at 5,000cfs may be surprised by the current speed, hydraulics and vertical waves found on the same water at 8,000cfs.
Garcia also said experienced boaters should not be timid about sharing their knowledge with other river users. He said they should take the lead in helping others make better decisions. Part of that means making sure everyone in your party, as well as boaters you may encounter on the river, are prepared for the water they are running.
If a rescue situation does occur, boaters need to be prepared with throw bags, first aid skills and medical kits.
Other simple and common sense precautions such as wearing a lifejacket and helmet, packing along some food for a needed energy boost and never boating alone could mean the difference between a great day on the water and a harrowing ordeal.
“You don’t ever want to be in a position where you are uncomfortable,” Garcia said, “because you’ll be missing out on a good time.”
Related posts:
- Whitewater Rush: Kayakers race to catch runoff as Gallatin River surges
- Massive boulder collapse causes damage to Madison Dam north of Ennis
- Outdoor classroom lets Harrison junior high students connect with nature
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