ARKANSAS WATERWAY LAWS
No glass of any kind is allowed on the river.
Open beverages of any kind must be in a floatable container while in the watercraft.
Children 13 years of age or younger must wear Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) at all times while in the watercraft.
All floaters must have a PFD in the watercraft.
Coolers and gear must be secured to the watercraft.
For 24-hour emergency dispatch services (Law Enforcment, Fire, Emergency Medical Services, Search and Rescue) call 1-888-692-1162.
REMINDERS
Diving is not recommended.
Use sunblock, even on cloudy days.
Keep all trash in secured containers.
Pick up any trash you may come across.
RIVER LEVELS
Current River Conditions for the Buffalo National River can be found at USGS Current Conditions for Arkansas.
| RIVER LEVELS | VERY LOW (Stage/ft) | LOW (Stage/ft) | MODERATE (Stage/ft) | HIGH (Stage/ft) | FLOOD STAGE (Stage/ft) |
| Boxley, AR | Below 3.09' | 3.09' - 3.59' | 3.59' - 5.40' | 5.40' - 8.79' | Over 8.79' |
| Ponca, AR | Below 2.58' | 2.58' - 3.03' | 3.03' - 4.52' | 4.52' - 5.59' | Over 5.59' |
| Pruitt, AR/ Hwy 7 Bridge | Below 3.83' | 3.83' - 4.23' | 4.23' - 6.27' | 6.27' - 7.81' | Over 7.81' |
| St. Joe, AR/ Hwy 65 Bridge | Below 2.91' | 2.91' - 3.52' | 3.52' - 7.45' | 7.45' - 11.11' | Over 11.11' |
| Harriet, AR/ Hwy 14 Bridge | Below 2.51' | 2.51' - 3.01' | 3.01' - 5.97' | 5.97' - 10.62' | Over 10.62' |
VERY LOW - The Buffalo River is dry in places.
LOW - The Buffalo River is low, paddling may be difficult, some areas may require portage.
MODERATE - The Buffalo River flow is adequate for paddling; some exposed obstacles may be encountered.
HIGH - The Buffalo River flows swiftly. Compromising situations may occur. Canoeing experience on swift moving rivers is necessary.
FLOOD STAGE - The Buffalo River flows outside its normal banks. Floodwaters move quickly and carry debris. Canoeing conditions are hazardous even for highly skilled canoeists. Concessions cannot put boats on the river in flood conditions.
River level readings indicate the condition of the river for recreation. These readings are taken at five locations along the river. Each reading is unique and pertains only to that area.