EMILY MESSER

CLARK FORK RIVER

With fast, murky water and hot temperatures increasing snow melt, the chief of Missoula County Search and Rescue (MCSAR) weighed in on how and when it's safe to float the river this summer.

Regardless of the season or someone's experience, preparing for a trip down the river is important to stay safe and avoid incidents according to Joe Blattner, the chief of MCSAR. He said due to the current conditions of the Clark Fork River, floating later in the summer is safer and more enjoyable.

Blattner said the runoff from the mountains is causing high water in the Clark Fork during this time of year.

"And what that runoff does is it really makes the temperature cold. It's important for us to remember that we might be warm standing near the river but once you're i

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