Subscribe
  • News
    • Local
    • Bozeman
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Menu
  • News
    • Local
    • Bozeman
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events

Search and Rescue responds to distressed rafters in Gallatin River 

in Regional
Search and Rescue responds to distressed rafters in Gallatin River 
House Rock in the Gallatin River. OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO
EBS Staffby EBS Staff
June 6, 2024

EBS STAFF 

On Wednesday evening at 8:36 p.m., a group of rafters called 911 after flipping their raft downstream of “House Rock” in a whitewater section of the Gallatin River called “The Mad Mile.”  

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from Gallatin Valley and Big Sky responded to the location, downstream of the Lava Lake trailhead on U.S. Highway 191 between Big Sky and Bozeman. The river’s water levels continue to reach new peaks this week, due to normal seasonal runoff.  

Article Inline Ad Article Inline Ad Article Inline Ad
ADVERTISEMENT

“After the capsize, two of the party had made their way to the eastern bank of the river away from the highway and were stranded,” a June 6 Gallatin County press release stated. 

After completing one run of the Mad Mile whitewater section—which includes House Rock among other obstacles—the group decided to repeat, with their second run beginning around 8 p.m. 

Gallatin River water levels continue to rise this week. Chart shows gage height at Deer Creek, roughly 10 miles upstream from House Rock. Dotted line indicates water level at 8 p.m. on Wednesday. COURTESY OF UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

The raft capsized shortly after navigating House Rock.  

“Two individuals made their way safely to the western shore, but two others found their way to the eastern shore and were stranded by fast-running water and the fact that they had lost their shoes in the river,” the release stated.  

A team of three SAR volunteers crossed the curved bridge near the Lava Lake trailhead, and hiked downstream on the east bank of the river. Volunteers met the stranded rafters, conducted medical evaluations, provided them with shoes and guided them out to safety. 

“Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind whitewater enthusiasts that early season waters can be more turbulent and difficult to navigate,” the release added. “Whenever possible, it is beneficial to scout your intended float, noting hazards as well as possible escape [and] extraction routes. Always wear a personal flotation device, and a helmet. Finally—as much as the river allows—have clothing and supplies appropriate not just for the float itself, but for self-extraction by land or a possibly long wait on the riverbank for rescue.” 

Outlaw Realty Outlaw Realty
ADVERTISEMENT

Listen

Hoary Marmot Podcast

Joe Borden & Michele Veale Borden

Lastest Episode
See More Episodes
outlaw realty montana outlaw realty montana
ADVERTISEMENT
Outlaw Realty Big Sky Bozeman
ADVERTISEMENT

Upcoming Events

Jul 30
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Event Series

Post 99 Honey sales

Jul 30
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Event Series

Pickup Ultimate Frisbee

Aug 1
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Trivia at the Waypoint

Aug 4
9:00 am - 12:00 pm Event Series

Community Hike Big Sky

Aug 4
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Event Series

Al-Anon Support Group

View Calendar
Event Calendar

Related Posts

Library to hold rural health discussion
Bozeman

Bozeman Public Library to celebrate children’s learning with Dragon Festival

July 30, 2025
Teen sustains thermal burns in Yellowstone National Park
Regional

Teen sustains thermal burns in Yellowstone National Park

July 30, 2025
Ceremony to honor diverse Indigenous cultures of Yellowstone 
Regional

Ceremony to honor diverse Indigenous cultures of Yellowstone 

July 29, 2025
Livingston to host 17th annual Night Owl Run
Regional

Livingston to host 17th annual Night Owl Run

July 29, 2025

An Outlaw Partners Publication

Facebook-f Instagram X-twitter Youtube

Explore Big Sky

  • About/Contact
  • Advertise
  • Publications
  • Subscriptions
  • Podcast
  • Submissions

Outlaw Brands

  • Mountain Outlaw
  • Plan Yellowstone
  • Big Sky PBR
  • Wildlands Music
  • Outlaw Partners
  • Outlaw Realty
  • Hey Bear

Copyright © 2025 Explore Big Sky | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Your Privacy Choices

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Bozeman
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Yellowstone
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Real Estate
  • Events

©2024 Outlaw Partners, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Explore Big Sky Logo
  • News
    • Local
    • Bozeman
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Subscribe
Facebook X-twitter Instagram Youtube