BUFFALO RIVER-FEB 6-8-Update 4-Hwy14-Rush- Pictures

[KimL]

We're discussing it here in Hiram . . . . It's been too long since we've seen you, Richard!

[okieboater]

Trust is built on shared experiences.

Richard, with your demonstrated knowledge of the Buffalo River and past history of great Buffalo River trips. I trust your decision.

Tell us when and where

[dwilson]

The closer to Jasper is good with me. Less driven time. I'm tryin ta get a greenhorn ta go and the Narrs would be a cool thing ta show him. Climbed up on top one time and saw a herd of wild pigs in the field on the other side. Bet there was 30 all different sizes.

[Richard]

I shuda knowd that as sune as Roger un Kim poked their heads in here ther would be trouble. Forecast is changing. Gonna even be warmer. May break the record. BUT its gonna be windy (thanks Kim) and rainy (thanks Roger). Soooooooo. Gonna wait another day to firm up where.

[KimL]

Well, Roger sez he thinks it's iffy to go, given what's planned for him on Friday, so I'll be wishin' good weather for y'all.

[Richard]

It appears the wind and road accessibility is going to be a determining factor. Wind is predicted to be greater the farther west you go. With that in mind we are looking right now at someplace between North Maumee and Rush. I have conflicting information about accessibility and should have that resolved this evening.

Here is Yelleville weather forecast hour by hour from NOAA. Note the wind remains constant thru Fri night into Sat.
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.ph ... eadDay.y=9" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Karla]

Here is article on KARK.
http://arkansasmatters.com/content/full ... cid=187521" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Karla

[Clif]

I'll fess up to guilty feelings about planning on going while folks and parks need help. Was wondering at one point if I should suggest clean up time along with the weekend. Looking now like I may be part of a cleanup crew that visits relatives of some of our church family. Watching developments.

[Richard]

Clif, I have been thinking the same thing. With regards the Buffalo, I asked if volunteers were needed and they said not at this time. They are only using trained fire crews because of the danger involved.

I did find out that the road to Spring Creek is clear of trees but there is still a thick layer of ice that is making the road impassible. Crews will report in tonight and a new report of conditions will be available on the status of all park roads in the morning. Each time I called Wild Bill's about road conditions, I got a different person and it became obvious they had no clue as to what was going on.

[dwilson]

reckon the river is in the same shape the roads are with trees?

[Richard]

Danny, I can not imagine the river being affected much. We had two major floods last spring and anything even remotely close to the river got hammered then. Anything still there from that is not likely to be affected by ice. Thats just my opinion but I have not heard anything to the contrary so far. The entire Ozark area in the northern two rows of counties really took a beating. So my thinking is that what you see in Siloam and Fayetteville is what you are going to see along the Buffalo. Particularly at higher elevations.
If I am wrong, it won't be the first time.

[Clif]

Elevation and which side of the hill had lots to do with this event in our area. Not sure if the same was true up there, but like our valley was ok while only a couple of hundred feet up lots more ice and breaking happened. Not much in Clinton While the hilltops to the west were slammed.

[Eric Esche]

We've been living without power for 5 days, no TV for 8, no internet for 9 and I've run 17 tanks of chainsaw gas. I don't feel guilty at all about going. Internet still comes and goes with only minutes inbetween so will call if still no internet tomorrow to confirm after doctor's visit. River level look great as does weather.

Eric

[Richard]

To ease concerns I became aware of today, I am leaving the dogs home.

[dwilson]

Got info that Carver,Woolum, and Baker are vehicle accessible. The Ozark Cafe is open for business. So was kinda needing ta know some time today where is the put in and take outs gonna be so we can get our ducks in a row. Not tryin ta be pushy.