Flathead County warns of dangerous river conditions after multiple rescues

KALISPELL, Mont. — The Flathead County Sheriff's Office is warning residents and visitors to use extreme caution around local waterways as high water, cold temperatures and debris create dangerous conditions.

Emergency responders have been dispatched to multiple water rescues in recent days, according to the Sheriff's Office. The agency said strong currents, submerged obstacles, unstable banks and water cold enough to trigger cold-water shock all raised the risk.

Earlier this month, two raft crews in the same stretch of river in Flathead County. North Valley Search and Rescue reported both incidents happened just downriver from CFAC on river right, where a large rock had collected logs this season and a hole sat just upstream at current water levels.

North Valley Search and Rescue said everyone got out safely and all rafters in both incidents wore personal flotation devices.

Sheriff Brian Heino asked the public to help reduce avoidable emergencies.

"Our volunteer and professional first responders stand ready and continue to respond diligently to these emergencies, but we need the public's help to keep everyone safe. We are experiencing elevated water levels throughout the region, and conditions can change rapidly. We encourage everyone to closely monitor river conditions, weather forecasts and local advisories before entering or recreating near the water," Heino said.

The Sheriff's Office said even experienced swimmers and outdoor enthusiasts can end up in danger quickly during current conditions. Deputies urge people to wear a properly fitted life jacket, avoid entering fast-moving rivers and streams, watch children closely near water and stay back from unstable banks.