Buffalo River
About this event
3/12/2026 UPDATE:
Current level at Ponca is "moderate - ample water for floating" at 4.5' and declining. Forecast shows only 0.25" between now and our Sunday travel day. Visibility into our on-the-water time will start revealing itself this Sunday, but at the moment we're looking at two 86ºF days leading up to our travel day.
3/6/2026 UPDATE:
Current Levels at Ponca are "low, but floatable" at 4.1' on the Ponca gage. There is no visibility to the forecast beyond 3/15 at this point. About 1.8" of rain is expected between now and 3/15 (not much, but will help to stabilize the gains from the past week). Temperatures are decreasing the last 3 days before 3/15 (lowest low is 43ºF), indicating some kind of front may be developing.
TRIP OUTLINE:
We will travel on Sunday to arrive when the casual weekend visitors have left. If water levels are favorable, we will float and paddle from Ponca or Steel Creek to Carver. Otherwise, we will start and end further downriver (Tyler Bend to Rusk Landing), as conditions allow.
Weather is erratic, but this is early enough in the season to expect chilly air and chilly water temperatures.
First day format is to meet at 4:00PM at the takeout and consolidate watercraft, gear and people, leaving a vehicle or two empty at the takeout, then have dinner at the Ozark Café in Jasper (or the Daisy Queen in Marshall) on the way to camp, then set up camp while it's still light. NOTE: Sunset is at 7:26 pm.
Remaining days will depend on put-in, which, as mentioned, will be determined by river level. Plan on primitive camping and everything will work out for you.
If trip is full, do not look for a waitlist. Please send me an email to get connected to any potential openings for this trip.
Event Contact(s)
Kent Walters
Registration Info
Registration is required
Registration cancellations will be accepted until Friday, March 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Capacity
12 Total Slots
1 Available Slot(s)
Invalid Quantity