How are rapids classified?
Whitewater is rated on a difficulty scale between I and VI. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River is classified Class II-IV and is considered exciting family whitewater! · Class I Very Easy: Small, regular waves, few obstacles, little maneuvering required · Class II Easy: Easy rapids, eddies and bends, some maneuvering required · Class III Medium: Numerous waves, narrow passages, maneuvering required, may require scouting · Class IV Difficult: Difficult rapids, abrupt bends, narrow passages, scouting often necessary, precise maneuvering required · Class V Very Difficult: Long rapids with wild turbulence and extremely congested routs, complex maneuvering, scouting is difficult · Class VI Limits of Navigation: Nearly impossible and very dangerous, a definite hazard to life.
Whitewater is rated on a difficulty scale between I and VI. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River is classified Class II-IV and is considered exciting family whitewater. · Class I Very Easy: Small, regular waves, few obstacles, little maneuvering required · Class II Easy: Easy rapids, eddies and bends, some maneuvering required · Class III Medium: Numerous waves, narrow passages, maneuvering required, may require scouting · Class IV Difficult: Difficult rapids, abrupt bends, narrow passages, scouting often necessary, precise maneuvering required · Class V Very Difficult: Long rapids with wild turbulence and extremely congested routs, complex maneuvering, scouting is difficult · Class VI Limits of Navigation: Nearly impossible and very dangerous, a definite hazard to life.
