The Buffalo goes down about as fast as it rises if there is no rain. By the 29th, things will be really blooming and the trees will suck up water like crazy so even a light rain won't affect the river much if we get a respite between now and then. A heave rain will still cause it to flood very fast since the ground will still be saturated.

I checked this morning and it was still class 4 with 0' air space at the Ponca bridge.

The Waterfalls will be running like they seldom do. If you're leaving from Ponca or Steel Creek then take the time to visit Hemmed-in-Hollow. The waterfall there is the tallest between the Rockies and the Appalachians. The second tallest is nearby, it's called Diamond Falls, I think. I've been to Hemmed-in-Hollow several times but only learned about Diamond Falls after the last time I went there. (I read Tim Ernst's book after I got back <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

There will be people at those spots, but if you hike up any of the other hollows leading down to the river you'll find awesome waterfalls and have them all to yourself.

Bring your snorkel, mask, and fins and a wet suit if you have one. It's a whole different world inside the river. Even a short swim is worth it. The water will probably be crystal clear when you get there.

I like to spend the night at the mouth of Sneeds Creek. From there you can hike to Hemmed-in-Hollow, Granny Henderson's cabin, and to Rocky Bottoms. I've spent days wondering around there and it's always been a blast.

Have fun Chaz, your timing should be perfect.

Bill