BWCA High water Frost River Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum
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TacoOverland
senior member (80)senior membersenior member
  
05/04/2022 01:31PM  
Planning a trip down the frost river in a few weeks and while there has been much discussion about low water on the river at various times I’m wondering if anyone has experience with high water. I’d like to know what to expect if possible. Im sure that high water, like low, poses different challenges.
 
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straighthairedcurly
distinguished member(1938)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/04/2022 03:40PM  
Maybe others have a different perspective, but I wouldn't think high water would have any negative effects on the Frost River. There isn't any significant current. Beaver dams might have more water running over the tops and some of the smaller/lower beaver dams could be paddled over. Also fewer rocks to avoid in some of the shallows.
Michwall2
distinguished member(1442)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/04/2022 04:15PM  
All of what SHC has said is correct. We were there in high(er) water one wet August. We were able to float over several beaver dams that were likely pullover's in less water. We were able to pullover a couple beaver dams that were likely portages with less water on the below dam side. We were also able to line our canoes through at least 2 spots where we would have otherwise have had to get out and portage. Make sure you have ropes on your canoe that will allow for this.

It is harder to "stay found" when you do this. e.g. How many portages have you skipped?

The route from the river into Afton is confusing as there is a delta. We were able to find multiple routes through. In lesser water conditions that might not be true.

Hope you have a great trip.
05/04/2022 08:46PM  
I agree with both above. I have done the Frost during medium-low water, and can only think in hind sight it would be easier with more water.
Guest poster
Guest Paddler
  
05/05/2022 04:05AM  
There is always the point with high water that calm flows become very powerful,even if it is not turbulent,high volume can be dangerous
 
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