High Water Danger on the Beartooth Ranger District

Release Date: Jun 20, 2024

Red Lodge, MT— Several areas on the Beartooth Ranger District are experiencing high water danger, specifically to areas that were affected by the 2022 flooding events. Extremely dangerous conditions are being seen on East Rosebud Creek and Armstrong Lake. Current high-water conditions in areas previously affected by flooding on or near the forest may create new obstacles. Temporary bridges, culverts, and hydrological changes may also affect the way the water is flowing in these areas.

According to the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks website, falling into cold water can kill in just minutes. The colder the water, the greater the risk. A person’s swimming ability does not improve one’s chances of survival. A sudden immersion into cold water (65 degrees or less) starts a series of body reflexes that increase the risk of drowning. Many water bodies in the Forest are fed from high mountain lakes and springs and don’t get above 65 degrees in the summer, making cold water immersion a threat all year long. Visit the USGS Water Data to view current Montana water temperatures.

Accidents can happen in seconds, but emergency assistance can take many hours, even days. Self-rescue and survival skills, equipment and preparation are important.

Many natural hazards exist, and conditions can change at any time, such as high and low water, sudden weather changes, blocked river channels, falling rocks and trees, fire, wildlife, plants, insects, avalanches, landslides, blowouts, cliffs, large boulders, jagged rocks, water currents and temperature.

A first-aid kit should accompany each party. The State of Montana requires that all persons operating or riding on a personal watercraft must wear a life jacket. Children under 12 years of age must wear a life jacket on a boat less than 26 feet in length that is in motion. Visit the Montana Boating Laws and Required Equipment for more information.

"Sometimes when we think about high water levels we only think about river floating, but accidents can happen on the shoreline too,” said Custer Gallatin National Forest Beartooth District Ranger, Amy Haas. The Custer Gallatin National Forest has a few recommendations when recreating in forested areas with water:

• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings as water levels can change quickly.
• Properly wear safety gear such as life jackets and helmets at all times on the river.
• Check the weather forecast before heading out and postpone your trip if there is a chance of heavy rain or flash floods.
• If floating on rivers, check the water levels the day of your trip to determine the relationship of the water level to the degree of hazard. Low or high water changes the character of rapids and the difficulty and manner in which they should be run. In addition, high water carries debris such as whole trees and logs that can pose serious and unpredictable risks.
• Be constantly alert for logs and other debris that may have become lodged in critical passages.
• Spring and early summer water temperatures are cold and hypothermia can set in rapidly if you are exposed to cold water for even a short period of time.
• Alcohol and other stimulants impair judgment and motor functions affecting your ability in making quick decisions. Use a designated driver just as you would when driving an automobile. Don't risk your safety and the safety of others.
• Accidents occur on the river shoreline too. Be cautious when entering and exiting your vessel and wear appropriate footwear. Carry survival gear including a blanket, hat, and extra dry clothing.
• Keep in mind that response time to river rescues can take 12 hours or longer depending on where the incident is located on the rivers. Bring a buddy along with you, even if you’re experienced, in case of an emergency.