Under normal, routine operation of the Mystic Lake Hydroelectric Project by NorthWestern Energy (NorthWestern), up to four whitewater flow enhancements will be provided annually. For each of these flow enhancements, NorthWestern will endeavor to release 500 cfs for 5 hours from West Rosebud Lake Dam as measured at the USGS Streamflow Gauge # 06204070 West Rosebud Creek at Emerald Lake Campground. Whitewater releases will be conducted the first weekend in July (Saturday and Sunday releases) and the second and third Saturdays (only) in July. Rapidly decreasing flows as reported on the USGS Streamflow Gauge # 06204050 West Rosebud Creek near Roscoe MT can, on rare occasions, cause whitewater flow enhancements to be less than optimal on the first and second day of a 2-day flow enhancement, when releases of 500 cfs for less than a 5-hour duration from West Rosebud Dam occur.

NorthWestern will endeavor to operate West Rosebud Lake below 6397.6 feet and above 6395.0 feet elevation during whitewater flow enhancement events.

Minimum flow below West Rosebud Lake, during whitewater flow enhancements, will be maintained at 200 cfs or greater as measured at the USGS Streamflow Gauge # 06204070 West Rosebud Creek at Emerald Lake Campground.

Whitewater releases from West Rosebud Lake Dam will begin at 9:00 AM. Peak flow (near 500 cfs) will reach the Emerald Lake Outlet between approximately 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM and will continue for approximately 2.5 hours, gradually reducing to pre-enhanced base flow conditions thereafter.

Beartooth Paddlers and American Whitewater will endeavor to communicate information regarding whitewater flow enhancement days to the paddling community through social media, websites, email and other means.