Good morning Flathead Valley, this is Denny from Montana Raft and Glacier Guides with your Friday June 19th river and trails report.

Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming west southwest between 5 and 8 mph.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy with a low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday: A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after noon. Mostly cloudy with a high near 64. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy with a low around 46.

River is at an awesome level: 5.44 Feet at the bridge in West Glacier.

People have been hiking to Avalanche Lake, Apgar Lookout, Rockwell Falls (the bridge is in), Scenic Point (still some snow up top), Iceberg Lake (snow on the last mile), Cracker Lake, Poia Lake, St Marys Falls, Belly River, Bowman Lake, Kintla Lake, and to the Kootenai Lakes from Waterton.
Expect some snow on trails above 5500 feet especially on the north sides and in the trees. Expect snow on all passes. Crampons and ice axes are required and the ability to use them. Check with Glacier NP backcountry office and website as conditions may change at any time.

Most campgrounds at the 5,000 foot level and below are open. Above that the campgrounds are either in environmental condition (allowing the vegetation to emerge) or there is still snow. Belly River, Bowman Lake , Kintla Lake, Ole Creek, Red Eagle, Park Creek, Cut Bank all have campgrounds open. Cosley Lake, Elizabeth Lake Foot, Elizabeth Lake Head, Glenns Lake Foot and Head, and Atlantic Creek are some of the open campgrounds.

Gunsight Lake, Upper Two Medicine, Browns Pass, are not in summer conditions yet.

The Going to the Sun Road is expected to open possibly by next Friday.

Events coming up – tomorrow Saturday June 20th we have the annual Rafting for Refuse– Free rafting trips on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River and free BBQ, just come help us keep Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest clean. Call for reservations. Only a few spots left. 387 5555.

Wednesday June 24th we are having a party at the Garden Bar in Bigfork, come win a rafting trip for you and seven of your friends with Montana Raft. There will be great deals on Coors Beer.

June 22nd -25th , the Blackfoot Confederate Conference will be in St Mary’s. Dance, horseback rides, powwow, - call for more info. Not all events open to the general public.

At Montana Raft Co./Glacier Guides we always sell bear spray at cost, and check out our great meal deals at the Bonecrusher Bistro.