BUFFALO RIVER PONCA TO KYLES SATURDAY 8/10/13

[CAPTAIN ALEVE]

I'm trying to get a trip together for Saturday, August 10, 2013, for the Buffalo River from Ponca low water bridge to Kyle's Landing, about ten miles on the river. There is about 16" of airspace today that will drop to around 20" by Saturday if it doesn't rain again today, a low to moderate level. The forecast for Ponca for Saturday is for a high of 79 and a 40% chance of rain. I'm willing to paddle in the rain; you should be, too, if you decide to come along. There are NO warnings out at the present time (1:30 p.m.) for severe storms or flooding. The plan would be to do our own shuttling to Kyle's. I also plan to make the trip leisurely, stopping often to stretch my legs, and not get in any sort of hurry. The trip will end before dark for sure, otherwise there won't be any certain time we will finish. If it should rain we would probably want to hike to Hemmed In Hollow Falls. 10:00 a.m. is my suggested meeting time at Ponca low water bridge, but I am flexible on that.

Anyone interested?

Mike Coogan, alias Captain Aleve

[Henry Gresham]

Yes, I'm interested. I've got a brand new kayak that's itching to get wet. Any chance you could call me re some of the details, and answer a few questions? Henry Gresham at 479-366-6379.

(I realize I've expressed interest is a couple other trips to the Buff tomorrow. Just trying to find the right one, and get some more info before I start loading up.)

[eac]

how long before dark, coming from hot springs?

[CAPTAIN ALEVE]

We are typically off the water by 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. even on a leisurely outing. No guarantees, though. I have some more paddlers who live in Hot Springs Village who may be coming. It's possible you could carpool if they join in; I haven't heard back from them yet.

Mike

[eac]

how long before dark, coming from hot springs?

[eac]

i'm in, just need to make sure I can hook up with a shuttle at ponca. i'm in a truck with a rack.

[CAPTAIN ALEVE]

The trip is now set in stone with 10:00 a.m. as the meeting time at the Ponca low water bridge. We will make sure everyone is shuttled back to their vehicle if it is left at Ponca. We usually try to leave all vehicles but one at the take-out to simplify things; everyone meets at Ponca, unloads, all drivers take their vehicles to Kyle's, one vehicle comes back to Ponca with all the drivers and then we launch. That way only one boat and driver have to get a ride from someone in our group from the take-out (Kyle's) back to Ponca after the trip is over. See you at Ponca.

Mike

[aquagirl]

I'm interested in going if I can car-pool with someone. Anyone from Hot Springs/HSV area have room for me & my boat? Happy to help with gas, just not up for driving that far by myself. Call/text 5-zero-1 6-fifty-five nineteen seventy-five.

Thanks,
Beth Forbes

[Henry Gresham]

I'm loaded & ready, but coming from the boonies of NW Arkansas. Barring flooded creeks, I'll be there. Henry

[marmoss]

Live in the headwaters. Got almost 3 inches of additional rain last night ( 8 inches in August). Still raining. Buffalo at Ponca is high and rising. Will be probably in flood stage soon!

Be careful!

[cpresoz]

5.81 and still shooting up at Ponca gauge at 9:30 am. Rentals are all shut down so should have a rock and rolling time without a crowd. Over 6.00 it gets potentially dangerous.

[marmoss]

10:15.

10.46 ft at ponca and rising. It is not day to be on the Buffalo. Steep creeks are raging!

[Jim Krueger]

Mike,

Do give a report on your day! When I turned in last evening about 11, I could see much distant lightning to the North, same thing when I stepped out on the deck at 4am this morning. I can only imagine the Buffalo was one long flume today... Hope all is well!

Jim

[marmoss]

Ponca low water bridge at 10.5 feet around noon today.

[marmoss]

This was Boxley bridge around noon today at ~ 9 feet: