River Level Required To Put In At Boxley

[float fisher]

We are floating at the end of April. No one in our group has floated the upper Buffalo before. Our group is two kayaks and my solo 13' canoe. This is a multi-day trip so we will be loaded but we do pack light. Our plans are to attempt a put-in at Boxley if the water is right. I have read that the water at the Ponca bridge must be 10" airspace or less to make the Boxley run. Is this good info? We are all experienced Ozark "whitewater" floaters. If we nix the Boxley put-in because of low water, what level do we need to have to float from Ponca without portage?

[catman]

The upper Buffalo, in the early 70's we named the Hail Stone, & for good reason. Some area's drop 107' per mile, got to have 5" of rain to do it, I'm to old to run that now. It will Big eye you for sure..

[KCRIVERRAT]

The upper Buffalo from Boxley is not the Hailstone. Reports from the locals will follow.

[bobber]

boxley to ponca can be done as low as 18 inches of air space it's a 4 1/2 mile run . (i would not run it in loaded canoes for camping but that's me!!)and as for portage below ponca? never have had to get out you might need to plant your paddle in the rocks a few times to push across some gravel. but if it's that low i would move down stream to float

[float fisher]

Thanks bobber. I'll be praying for some moderate rains prior to our trip and we will check for that 18" of airspace at Ponca Bridge as we are hoping for the Boxley put-in so we can enjoy a stretch of the river pretty much to ourselves. We keep our campgear well protected against mishap so as long as we are not risking life and limb we enjoy a fast run. As far as pushing across a gravel flat, not a problem. I've got a heavy duty plastic paddle I keep just for those days and I don't mind getting my feet wet. It's the rock gardens that require more than just a walk-thru with my canoe tethered to me that I am concerned with. Once the canoe is off the truck I prefer not to have to carry it.

Thanks for the info