West Rosebud Creek will get a bump in flows this weekend that will bring the Class III-IV+ (V) creek into its optimal paddling range.  A dam on the creek generally delays and reduces spring snowmelt flows each year, thereby reducing the number of boating opportunities the creek provides.  During a recent dam relicensing process, paddlers recognized that historic dam releases often provide flows that are just below what paddlers can enjoy.  In response, we proposed that the power company occassionally provide a relatively small amount of water to bump the flows up to optimal boating levels when flows drop just below boatable levels.  We are currently in the middle of a three year period in which we are studying the operational, recreational, and biological feasibility of this concept.

This year's high snowmelt has provided boating opportunities for the past several weeks on West Rosebud.  Currently flows in the Creek have dropped to around 300-350 cfs.  Additional water will be released to provide flows of around 460 cfs, which is two feet on the gage used by paddlers.  The flow bumps will last from mid-morning to mid-afternoon on Saturday and Sunday, August 2nd and 3rd.  We hope that paddlers take advantage of this great opportunity.  It is likely that similar flow increases may occur on at least one more weekend this summer.    

American Whitewater has been working with the Beartooth Paddlers, the power company, and agencies for the past several years to negotiate and test this program.  We are interested in hearing what you thought of the river and the flow.  Email your thoughts to kevin@americanwhitewater.org. 

Enjoy!