Float Guide

Lakes Country Radio - Tahlequah OK

Float Guide

Float the Illinois River! Get everything you need to know about where to float below!
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Scroll down for current conditions from OSRC

*All* *American Floats* 17170 Highway 10 Tahlequah OK 74464	*918.456.6949*

*Arrowhead-Thunderbird* 7704 Highway 10 Tahlequah OK 74464	918.456.1140 or 800.749.1140 e-mail Arrowhead-Thunderbird

*Diamond* Head Resort 12081 Highway 10 Tahlequah OK 74464	918.456.4545 or 800.722.2411

*Eagle Bluff Resort* 9800 Highway 10 Tahlequah OK 74464	918.456.3031 or 800.OK.RIVER e-mail Eagle Bluff Resort

*Falcon Floats* 16326 Highway 10 Tahlequah OK 74464	*918.456.8058*

*Green* *River Floats* 13063 Highway 10 Tahlequah OK 74464	*918.456.4867*

*Peyton's Place Resort* 10298 Highway 10 Tahlequah OK 74464	*918.456.3847*

*Sparrowhawk Camp* 21985 N Ben George Rd Tahlequah OK 74464	*800.722.9635 or 918.456.8371* e-mail Sparrowhawk Camp

ILLINOIS RIVER BASIN CONDITIONS

AUGUST 29 and 30, 2009 WEEKEND FORECAST

The following information is provided by the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission as a public service to ensure a safe and good experience while visiting the Illinois River Basin this weekend.

River water levels are within the recommended standards established by the ILLINOIS RIVER ASSOCIATION (Commercial Flotation Device Operations) for safe floating.

Water levels should remain steady this weekend due to rainfall received within the river basin on Thursday. Current water levels along with winds predicted out of the north this weekend will make for improved floating conditions for those floaters utilizing canoes, kayaks, inner tubes and rafts.

Please consult the Commercial Flotation Device Operation you plan to use as your rental livery for the most up-to-date river conditions and recommendations before setting out on any float trip.

Current Conditions 9:00am Friday, August 28, 2009:

Illinois River

Water Temperature 25ºC / 77ºF (taken at Echota Public Access Area Boat Ramp)

Savoy / ARK Hwy Bridge – Level 2.72ft and discharge 33 cubic feet per second (cfs). Level Steady

ARK Hwy 16 Bridge – Level 5.17ft and discharge 125cfs. Level steady

ARK Hwy 59 Bridge – Level 2.95ft and discharge 179cfs. Level steady

Watts / US Hwy 59 Bridge – Level 2.20ft and discharge 222cfs. Level steady Based on 53 years of record, average water level should be 2.10ft and discharge 156 cubic feet per second on this date at Watts/US Hwy 59 Bridge Gaging Station.

Chewey Bridge – Level 3.70ft and cfs N/A. Level on slight rise

Combs Bridge – Level 3.60ft and cfs N/A. Level on slight rise

Tahlequah / US Hwy 62 Bridge – Level 2.87ft and discharge 376cfs. Level on slight rise Based on 73 years of record, average water level should be 2.50ft and discharge 192 cubic feet per second on this date at Tahlequah / US Hwy 62 Bridge Gaging Station.

Cubic Feet per Second (cfs) = 450 X cfs = gallons per minute flowing by a given point (place such as a bridge). Example, if Tahlequah Gage on the Illinois River is 376cfs today at 9:00am, then 450 X 376 = 169,200 gallons is flowing by the Tahlequah Gage every one minute.

Barren Fork Creek

Dutch Mills / ARK Hwy 59 Bridge – Level 1.90ft and discharge 87.78cfs. Level falling (crested this morning at 2.05ft and discharge 118cfs)

Eldon / OK Hwy 51 Bridge – Level 5.78ft and discharge 86cfs. Level on slight rise (should begin to fall slowly on Sunday, 8/30/09) Based on 60 years of record, average water level should be 5.30ft and discharge 39 cubic feet per second on this date at Eldon / OK Hwy 51 Bridge Gaging Station.

Flint Creek

Sager Creek (upstream of US Hwy 412 Bridge and west of West of Siloam Springs, OK) – Level 4.66ft and discharge 27cfs. Level falling

US Hwy 412 Bridge (East of Kansas, OK) – Level 6.40ft and discharge 97cfs. Level falling (crested this morning at approximately 6.60ft and discharge 150cfs) Based on 49 years of record, average water level should be 6.10ft and discharge 26 cubic feet per second on this date at US Hwy 412 Bridge Gaging Station.

It is recommended that first-time and novice floaters utilize rafts for floating as there are some fallen trees and other debris in the river that may present a navigational hazard. Further, it is recommended that all individuals "float and swim smart from the start by wearing a personal flotation device (aka: PFD or Lifejacket) at all times while floating and swimming".

Oklahoma Law requires children under the age 13 years must wear a Personal Flotation Device (aka: PFD or Lifejacket) at all times while floating.

The National Weather Service is forecasting for the Illinois River Basin this Weekend:

Saturday, August 29^th High 83ºF and Low 56ºF, Mostly cloudy in the morning then clearing skies in afternoon with winds out of the North 10 mph; and,
Sunday, August 30^th High 81ºF and Low 52ºF, Mostly sunny with winds out of the Northeast at 10mph.

Always Pack Out What You Pack In

Be Sure To Recycle And Dispose Of Your Trash Properly

Trash bags are available to campers and floaters “free-of-charge” from Commercial Flotation Device Operations, River Rangers and Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission Headquarters Building.

Other considerations for a safe float trip:

Be sure to inform the commercial flotation device operation if you or anyone in your party are a first-time or novice floater(s) so that they may pair you with an experienced paddler/floater or float you in a raft so there is a lesser chance for capsizing;
Wear a personal flotation device at all times;
Never swim or boat alone. Stay within sight of companions;
Do not float when river levels and discharge flows are higher than normal or at flood stage;
If you capsize, stay with your flotation device on the upstream side. Resist the urge to grab a fixed object don't get pinned between the flotation device and a rock or tree;
When tired, take a break on a gravel bar to relax;
Do not dive into the river from bridges, bluffs, streambanks and trees;
Do not swing on rope swings and jump into the water as there may be submerged logs and tree branches that could cause bodily harm;
Be sure to bring sunglasses, extra cover up clothing, hat and suntan lotion. The sun reflecting off the water will give a person without sunglasses a headache and the extra clothing gives an opportunity not to sunburn;
Be sure to take water, tea, Gatorade, other thirst-quenching drinks and peanut butter crackers or something similar snacks... Try to avoid beer and soda pops as they tend to dehydrate the body and alcohol impairs judgment;
Be sure to wear river wading shoes to ensure no cuts to your feet;
Never take anything on your float trip that you don't want to lose. Check your car keys with the commercial flotation device operation for safe keeping;
Respect the rights of fishermen and private property owners;
Camp only in designated areas. Avoid being trapped by rising water against bluffs or on gravel bars;
Do not tie flotation devices together as it against the law and violators are subject to fine;
Do not use profanity;
Do not use glass and Styrofoam containers;
Do not litter;
Shower with soap and water after swimming;
Wash cuts and scrapes with clean water and soap after swimming;
Wear ear plugs;
Wear swim goggles;
Take children to the restroom frequently;
Use swim diapers on infants;
Stay away from any area that has floating debris, oil sheens or dead fish;
Do not swim after a heavy rain;
Do not swim in water with a temperature greater than 80ºF;
Do not swim if you have cuts or scrapes;
Do not swim near storm drains;
Do not swim in stagnant (unmoving) water;
Do not swim in water with a green surface scum; and,
Do not ingest water.

Pursuant to enactment of Senate Bill 1381 during the 2^nd Session of the 51^st Oklahoma Legislature (2008), the public is NO LONGER REQUIRED to pay $1.00 User Fees for floating Scenic River Areas.

Before planning to visit the Illinois River Basin, always access 48-Hour Recreational Forecast, Illinois River Area Map and Floaters Guide before setting out on your floating trip by going to the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission Website: www.oklahomascenicrivers.net. The 48-Hour Recreational Forecast "icon" has the Illinois River Association (commercial flotation device operations) recommended standards for floating children. The forecast site has interactive river map that changes colors with elevated river levels and matrix of recommendations at the certain levels.

Additionally, the OSRC Website contains a host of other informational items of interest related to Oklahoma Scenic Rivers

Thank you,
Ed Fite, Administrator
Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission

PO Box 292

Tahlequah, OK 74465-0292

Office (918) 456-3251
Fax (918) 456-8466
Click here to e-mail