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Canoeing and Kayaking Warnings and Safety Precautions

• The further you are away from a gaging station, the less reliable U.S. Geological Survey real-time streamflow data are as an index of canoeing conditions.
  
  
• The river system may change rapidly due to precipitation or snowmelt. Summer thunderstorms may cause flash flooding.
  
  
• Recreationists should examine the area as a final safety precaution to determine river conditions.
  
  
•  U.S. Geological Survey streamflow data on the Internet are provisional and subject to revision.
  
  
• Always wear a personal flotation device.
  
  
• Avoid standing in a canoe or kayak.
  
  
• Be sure weight is centered and distributed evenly in the canoe or kayak.
  
  
• Avoid rushing water or rapids unless experienced.
  
  
• Bring an extra paddle.
  
  
• Carry a medical kit.
  
  
• If you capsize, stay with the watercraft.
  
  
• Notify someone of your plans and when you expect to be back.

**Caution:** A dangerous situation has developed on the upper Missouri River east of the U.S. Highway 85 bridge south of Williston, North Dakota. This area is normally the headwaters of Lake Sakakawea, but due to the lake's current low level, the river here is now a shallow braided channel surrounded by soft deep silt. This area of the river can change rapidly and water levels fluctuate depending on the direction and velocity of winds. What may look passable in the morning may be high and dry by the afternoon. Canoeists or boaters who get stuck have no way of freeing themselves because they can sink waist-deep or more into the mud if they leave the boat or canoe. Local law enforcement agencies are not equipped to help with rescues.
To avoid traumatic situations such as being stranded for many hours or days several hundred yards from the nearest shoreline, canoeists or boaters should not attempt to travel on the Missouri River east of the U.S. Highway 85 bridge. Instead, arrangements should be made for portage from the bridge downstream to at least Lewis and Clark State Park, a distance of about 25 miles.
For more information contact the Williams County Sheriff's Office at (701) 577-7700.

Additional Water Safety Information - from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

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