RAVALLI COUNTY – The warmer weather is making the rivers and streams look tempting, and while it seems like we’ve been waiting forever for summer to arrive, emergency managers are warning Montanans this isn’t the time to be taking the first “dip” of the year.
All of the rivers and streams are running high and fast right now. And not only does that mean currents are much stronger than they will be later this month, but the runoff from the high country, coupled with last weekend’s colder weather, means the rivers are just frigid right now.
That means if you are in the water, and you get into trouble, your chances of recovery are much lower.
Additionally, most of the larger rivers, like the Bitterroot, Clark Fork and the Flathead are carrying a lot of trees and other debris downstream, and authorities say that increases your chances of getting tangled up, whether you’re trying to swim, or if you’re in a kayak or smaller boat.
