Attention- Changes to Upper Caddo River Levels!

[Jim Krueger]

To any and all of you who float the Upper Caddo River, and base your floats on preferred gauge readings, there have been some changes.
Due to changes in the river bed, the USGS has recently moved their gauge on the Hwy 240 bridge at 'The Narrows'. They moved the gauge a little further across the bridge to gauge a different chute that is becoming more predominant. Currently the river is in the process of bypassing the old chute which has been pretty static for many years.
This new gauging site is actually a bit higher in elevation, so the result will be higher level readings than we've had in the past.
Over the years I've been floating the Caddo, and had access to the gauge readings, I have developed my own set of preferences for low, medium, and high levels for the various sections. As a 'broad brush' measure, I will plan to add about 1.25-1.50ft. to my old suggestions until such time as the river is once again flowing enough to get out on some floats to survey it and further redefine what levels I like best.
I'd like to offer a big thanks to our friends at the USGS, and particularly Mr. Kevin Davis in the Little Rock office. They are continuing to refine the data from this recent gauge relocation, and I know they will continue to provide us with one of the best tools we have when making floating plans.

Best Regards
Jim

[AR-Nimrod]

Jim,

I saw the change in the data on their webpage. I got an email from my subscription that showed a higher level and wondered when it had rained there. Went to check out the psuedo real-time page and saw where the gauge had obviously had some maint. done to it and was curious. Thanks for letting your fellow Caddo paddlers know the details. We will definitely have to add to the new readings to ensure a floatable level. Thanks again.