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.
“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.
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.”
