How to Gauge the Height of the Buffalo River in Arkansas

The Buffalo National River in northern Arkansas travels 135 miles in the state through bluffs and the wooded hillsides of Ozark Plateau. Because of the surrounding natural beauty, the Buffalo is a popular tourist attraction for hikers, nature enthusiasts and especially for those with kayaks and canoes. The success of canoe trips often depends on the height of the river -- too low and you might have to drag the boat; too high and you'll risk running into dangerous objects just below the water's surface.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer
  • Internet access
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Instructions

    • 1

      Access the National Park Service's website about the Buffalo River at: ar.water.usgs.gov/buffaloriver. This website, updated by the Park Service, details the height of the river, ranging from very low to flood-stage conditions.

    • 2

      Zoom in to specific areas of the map and find checkpoints along the way. This should give you a basic idea of the river's current height.

    • 3

      Check for airspace at low water crossings and drop points on the river when you reach the Buffalo. Airspace is the distance between the water and the crossing points. Water is designed to flow under such crossings, so water lapping near the top of the bridge indicates high water conditions. If there is more than two feet of space between the bottom edge of the crossing and the water, the water levels are low and may be suitable for novice paddlers.