Floating the lower Buffalo

[budman]

Will be floating the Buffalo from Rush down to the White Oct. 6-8. The water levels look great but not sure what to expect when we hit the White. We will be floating in kayaks loaded with all our gear for camping two nights. Last year when we hit the White the water was flowing at 4200 CFS and looking the last few days it have been flowing anywhere from 16,500 to 21,000 CFS. We were able to take out at Riley's Station last year but that doesn't seem as likely this year. What I am wondering is what it is like to float down the White to Shipps or is there somewhere else to take out.

[hoglaw]

Shipps is the next access downstream, and it's on the east side of the river.  Flows are likely to still be high when you go I would imagine, so I would plan on heading downstream.  Floating on that fast water gives me the willies in a small boat, but I'm sure you'll be fine.  Wear your life jacket and ease over to the opposite bank once you hit the water, then just ride the current and you'll be there pretty quickly.

[Amery]

Maybe plan on someone from the resort meeting you with a motor boat where the two meet? Just a thought. 

[hoglaw]

That's a good call. Not sure if cell phones work at the confluence, but if there's a signal maybe the rileys folks could pick you up. Never thought about that. 

[Ham]

I floated from the dam at BSL to Rim Shoals at > 20K with nary a moments concern. My daughter complained about it being too mild. I would not be uneasy at all about floating down to Shipps Ferry as a take out. Shipp's Ferry will be on river left and the ramp itself is fairly protected from the heavy flow by a rocky outcropping just above it. It really shouldn't be a big deal, but certainly think about things and do what YOU are comfortable with. 

[grizwilson]

Normally not a issue, BUT, it can sock in with fog, and that is spooky in a boat let alone a canoe or kayak.  If you are leaving a rig I would either make arrangements with Miles at Riley Station or float on down to the confluence at Norfork. Shipps is a bit lonely....

g

[Ham]

Shipps isn't too far, but the confluence is a lot further down IMO, but if they are running 6-8 units it won't take too long I guess. 

[Al Agnew]

I believe the North Fork confluence is something like 14 miles downstream, which sounds like a lot, but if they are running a lot of water it'll only take a couple hours and there is some impressive scenery on the White.  If, however, they aren't running generators, that 14 miles can take a LONG time, as long as paddling 14 miles on any Ozark stream.  I've done it under both kinds of conditions.  I've also taken out at Buffalo City under both kinds of conditions...super easy if they aren't generating, work yourself to death and still might not make it if they are running a bunch.  Shipps Ferry is the most prudent take-out to cover both possibilities unless you make arrangements with Riley's Station.