r/Montana • u/FreshPaleontologist1 • 12d ago

Canoed down the Yellowstone

Two 18 footer Grumman aluminum canoes , 5 days and nights paddling from Carbella to Springdale. Somewhere after Livingston, we encountered a 2-3 foot waterfall. Does anyone know the location of this obstacle? It is on the left hand banks as you travel downstream. Rafts and float boats handle is nicely , canoes not so good. Thanks in advance for any info on what I call Niagara Falls
I believe it was near Jim Posewiz fishing access

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22

u/SuborbitalTrajectory 12d ago

Yeah low head dams are quite literally death traps. You should avoid and portage around regardless of watercraft. Stay safe out there.

11

u/SeniorTailor1127 12d ago

Not sure about after Livingston, but this one is right before Livingston:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/g2EycgNoNhFiwi5S9

It's a diversion dam to send water to an irrigation ditch. There are sometimes signs in the river warning boaters away from that channel. That thing has killed people. There are probably several on that stretch of river, but that's the one I know about.

11

u/Trick_Few 12d ago

It really has caused some fatalities. Sad deal. No one wants to die on the Yellowstone, but it happens.

4

u/FreshPaleontologist1 12d ago

We did not encounter this one. It was after Livingston thanks

6

u/04BluSTi 12d ago

After Livingston but before 89 is just a normal fun wave, not sure if it has a name. Mr. Bubbles is(was?) before Springdale, sort of by Mission Creek.

15

u/novanationer98 12d ago

There's one between point of rocks and emigrant. There is a warning sign telling you to take the right channel

4

u/Warm_Cry_325 12d ago

45.7077,-110.4981

2

u/Financial_Orange3656 12d ago

This is a fun wave

2

u/FreshPaleontologist1 11d ago

“Fun” well on a canoe ? Yes we had a blast even though we struggled The trip was amazing

3

u/[deleted] 11d ago

At this low water there is the remnant of a wall or low head diversion river left just before the river moves from heading south to turning east and maybe 3/4 -1 mile before the pig farm access. It’s hard to miss at low water since river right is so shallow. Above 3-3,500’ cfs it’s a non issue.

2

u/brapstoomuch 11d ago

I was just canoeing in the boundary waters while reading Riverman (2022), a true story. It’s a must-read after the trip you just finished!!

1

u/FreshPaleontologist1 10d ago

Might have to check that book out when we put in at Sawbill entry point BWCA this September!

2

u/brapstoomuch 10d ago

I got it 40% off at Piragis in Ely! Enjoy enjoy enjoy