MONTANA DEPARTMENT HSH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS 

 MRIS Reporting Program 



LOOKUP TABLE X - WHITEWATER CLASSIFICATION 



1=CLASS I 



Basically flat water, though it may have some small waves and ripples, and very minor obstacles. 



2= CLASS n 



The easiest rapids are foimd under this classification. Scouting is not necessary and minimal maneuvering is 



required. Waves can get up to three feet high. Channels are obvious and there are no dangerous hazards. 



3= CLASS m 



These are moderately hard rapids. Rapids may contain numerous boulders and holes that could flip a kayak or 

 canoe and occasionally some rafits. Waves can be up to Ave feet high. Maneuvering is required to miss rocks and 

 holes. Scouting is helpfiil for inexperienced boaters to plan their route. More experienced boaters may be able to 

 scout from the river as they run through it. 



4=CLASS IV 



Skillful maneuvering is required in running the rocky, constricted channels of these difflcult rapids. Hazards may 

 include large holes that can flip any craft, strong cross currents, and sharp turns. Waves are over Ave feet high. 

 Kayakers should know how to roll. In most cases, class IV drops should be scouted. 



5= CLASS V 



These extremely difflcult, violent, turbulent rapids may require complicated maneuvering through a series of 

 hazards, usually including large drops. Holes can be huge, unrelenting, difflcult to avoid, and able to flip the largest 

 of Whitewater craft. Usually class V rapids are the domain of kayaks and decked canoes, but they sometimes are 

 run by rubber boats. Kayakers and decked canoe boaters must be able to execute a reliable roll. Rescue is very 

 difflcult and when it is possible, the probability of injury or death from an accident or swim is high. These rapids 

 must be scouted. 



6= CLASS VI 



Most boaters term this classiflcation as unrunnable. Those who do attenq>t class VI rapids have a high likelihood 



of injury or death. 



0= UNKNOWN Insufflcient information available to evaluate Whitewater class. 



LOOKUP TABLE XI - RECREATION SITE TYPE 



1= Forest Service Campground 

 2= Bureau of Land Management 

 3 = National Park 

 4= National Recreation Area 

 5= National Historic Site 

 6= National Battlefleld 



7 = National Park Service Campground 



8 = State Park 



9= State Fishing Access Site 

 10= State Wildlife Management Area 

 12= National Recreation Trail 

 13= Wildlife Viewing Area 

 14= Other Recreation Area 



E- 10 



