West Rosebud Releases On the Horizon
The Mystic Lake Dam began spilling yesterday which means we are entering the timeframe when whitewater releases are possible. The Mystic Lake Hydroelectric Project historically eliminated many natural paddling opportunities. American Whitewater and Beartooth Paddlers Society negotiated releases that bump up flows on weekends when flows are otherwise just below good paddling levels. The flow triggers for releases are a bit complex, so study up!
The best resource for predicting a whitewater flow is Northwest Energy's Mystic Lake Whitewater Page. On this page you can read the protocol for exactly which flow ranges trigger a release, check out the relevant gage, and watch reservoir levels. This should be a good year for releases.
Enjoy West Rosebud Creek!