Buffalo River Water Levels On The Web

A new interactive Web page provides real-time information about Buffalo River flow and water levels at http://ar.water.usgs.gov/buffaloriver.

River flow and water levels can be accessed by clicking on one of five icons on the Web site map: Upper Boxley, Ponca, Pruitt (Arkansas 7 Bridge), Grinder’s Ferry (U.S. 65) and Dillard’s Ferry (Arkansas 14).

Paddlers can get information on each location where water flow as cubic feet per second and feet/inches is recorded.

River level readings indicate the conditions of the river for general river recreation. These readings are taken at the above five locations along the river near major access points. River flows are based upon the volume of water passing by the river gauge and placed within the chart as they relate to the amount of water needed to transport a canoe efficiently.

The National Park Service floating recommendations are also on the site as follows.

Very low: The river is dry in places.

Low: The river is low, floating may be difficult, some areas may require a portage.

Moderate: River flow is adequate for floating; some exposed obstacles may be encountered.

High: River flow is high, depth of water greater with accompanying high velocities.

Flooding: River is out of banks, the floodplain is inundated, water is deep and with high velocities, large floating debris is likely, canoeing is likely dangerous.

Canoeing at any river level exposes park visitors to different levels of personal risk. Floating at moderate to high flows may expose the visitor to a greater amount of personal risk, and some level of training or extended experience is recommended. Floating during flooding is not advised as deep swift waters and floating debris are likely; these conditions are considered as dangerous.