Road Access to the Buffalo

[Allen Rittman]

Has anyone been up around Ponca or Jasper the last day or two? I'm wanting to make a weekend of it but I know the roads are blocked with trees and branches. Talked to Ilonka Fox at Ozark Bluff Dwellers this morning and she said the forest looked like it was bombed. Thinking maybe a hwy to hwy trip starting in the morning. Kind of concerned about trees across the river. Does anyone have any info on that? If trees are across roads there across the river too. Then again might just go up and camp, should be plenty of fire wood.

[Richard]

You might try calling the Hwy Dept in Harrison (870) 743-2100

District 9 - Harrison
Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Madison, Marion, Newton and Searcy Counties

The map shows Hwy 7 to be clear but I would call just to be sure.
http://www.arkansashighways.com/Road/map.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[robkanraft]

From BOC's site

Thurs / 7:00 AM. The Buffalo River is at 7" of airspace under the Ponca low water bridge. The National Park Service has presently closed the river to paddling due to poor access road conditions. We are still without power or phone in Ponca.

[Susan]

I heard Hwy 7 (between Harrison & Jasper) was much better yesterday 2 lanes open now

[Mike_P]

FYI from BOC's website

Sat / 7:00 AM. The Buffalo River is at 10 inches of airspace at the Ponca low water bridge. We have not yet received word from the National Park Service that the river has been released from "closed" status. Access roads are still very slick from ice, snow, or mud. Fallen trees and power lines continue to be cleared, but are still an issue. We do not have power yet in Ponca, but reputable sources indicate that it could be restored within the next couple of days.