Maximum River Levels for Floating (GRDA)
Planning a River Trip
Have a Plan - It sounds simple enough, but important points can often get overlooked
Consider designating a group leader to make sure your trip goes as smooth as possible
All River Float Trips are wilderness experiences. You may not see other boaters or have immediate access to emergency resources. You must plan to be self sufficient and capable in a remote wilderness setting. If you are not, then we must recommend that you do not float the river. Plan for self rescue. Do not rely on emergency services only as your emergency safety plan.
Regulations
You should know the regulations for any river you choose to float. Familiarize yourself with the river regulations that are enforced by GRDA. You must purchase a GRDA river permit for each watercraft that is used on the river. We do not sell private boat permits from GRDA. Our River Access Permits are not the same as a GRDA permit. You will have to contact GRDA directly for more info of how and where to purchase them. 918-256-5545
GRDA River Rules and Regulations
https://grda.com/illinois-river/
https://grda.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Ch-40-Scenic-Rivers-Rules-EFF-9-11-22-1-1.pdf
https://grda.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Floating-Guidelines-from-IRA-1.pdf
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife - Hunting and Fishing
https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/licensing
Safety
Life Jackets - You must bring one serviceable well fitting life jacket for each person on the river and keep it immediately accessible or worn (especially if you cannot swim). Children 12 years old and younger are required to wear a life jacket wile floating the river (Enforced by GRDA).
Have an Emergency/Safety Plan -
Let someone know you are floating the river, where you plan to launch from and takeout and what time you expect to complete the trip
Check the weather and river flows including areas upriver where storms may cause the river to rise or flash flood
Know were alternate exit points are located along your route in case of an emergency
Bring a map and know how to read it. Consider electronic devices used for communication or navigation to be backups only. They often can get damaged, lost or lose battery power
Consider bringing satellite communication and medical equipment - Cell coverage may be very limited to non-existent on many sections of the river.
Consider taking a river rescue course, CPR/first aid course, wilderness first responder, EMT or other medical training
Consult your doctor before committing to a river trip if you have any medical concerns. Communicate any health risks or medical concerns with your group before heading out on the river.
Waterproof important items such as cell phones, medications, emergency supplies etc. in a durable waterproof container. Zip locks and trash bags can help for splash protection but should not be relied upon in case of full submersion.
Keep accountability within your group. Know how many people are in your group and have a plan if you were to become separated.
Estimate the trip length and bring enough equipment and supplies in case you go longer than expected
Relying on the current only such as floating the river in a raft or inner tube will usually take significantly longer than actively paddling a canoe, kayak or SUP. Consider the current and water levels when estimating river trip times.
Consider bringing headlamps with extra batteries
Lunch Stops -Its a good idea to refuel along the way or at least ensure you have enough snacks with you
Stay Hydrated, Drink plenty of water and Limit alcohol consumption
Do not tie any watercraft (including tubes) together
Do not run ropes all the way across the river
Wildlife and Nature is Wild!!! We also have Ticks, Spiders, Snakes, Mosquitoes, Wasps, Bees, Skunks, Racoons, and other animals. Violent weather, thunderstorms, uneven terrain, holes in the ground from animals, slick rocks, mud and many other hazards exist. Please be careful and plan accordingly.
Bring Proper Footwear
Watch out for Poison Ivy/Oak/Sumac/Snakes - Learn how to identify and avoid them
Each person should consider their own strengths and weaknesses and conduct their own risk assessment
Consider conducting a simple safety brief with your group and ensure everyone in your group knows what to expect
River Etiquette
Leave No Trace Principles
Do not leave any trash on the river or camp. If you feel inclined to help keep the river pristine, consider picking up any additional trash along the way during your float, even if it was not from your group. Many boaters bring an extra mesh trash bag along just for this reason.
https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
Rig to Flip - Ensure to properly secure any loose items and coolers while boating - Every experienced boater knows, “Its not if you flip, but when you flip”. It happens, you should plan on it.
https://alpackaraft.com/blog/rig-flip-dress-swim-setting-packrafting-success
https://www.whitewaterguidebook.com/pro-tips-rigging-your-raft/
Plan restroom breaks - Especially for long trips - ensure you have a plan to do this kind of business - There are a lot of tutorials on Youtube about how to bring a portable toilet on a river trip. I know no one want to talk about it, but think about how important it is to keep the river clean if hundreds of people float the river every season.
Respect Private Property
Pro Tips
Tips on How to Paddle
https://paddlingmag.com/skills/strokes-techniques/how-to-canoe/
WOKA Whitewater Park
River Gear
Where to purchase river gear locally?
Gavel Bars and Flash Flooding - Story
Imagine…You’re paddling the river on a beautiful, sunny day. You decide to set up camp on what seems to be the perfect gravel bar. You enjoy a lovely evening by the campfire and retreat to your tent for a good night’s sleep. Then, in the middle of the night, you’re abruptly awakened...the river is flowing through your tent!
Spring rains in the Ozarks can cause the river to rise “in a flash.” Heavy or prolonged rains, which may occur upstream and out of sight, can lead to flash flooding and rapid river rises. When this occurs, the river rises not only in the immediate area of the rainfall, but also downstream. Paddlers downstream may be unaware of the river rise and may be caught completely off guard. River rises of over a foot an hour can occur at any time of the year, and the river can rise more than 25 feet in a single day! The river can go from low to flood stage in a matter of only a few hours. At flood stage gravel bars are under water and the river becomes swift and dangerous. This can be a very scary and dangerous situation for someone floating the river or camping on a gravel bar.
It’s important to be weather aware when planning a float trip. Always check the forecast in advance when planning your trip and continue to monitor the weather during your trip, whether it be a day trip, an overnight trip, or multi-day trip. Monitor river levels as well and always check the levels of the access areas upstream from your location. Select campsites that are on elevated areas and avoid camping close to the river. It’s also important to leave a detailed trip plan with a friend or relative. Instruct them to alert the authorities if you are not back by the expected time. Keep in mind that if an emergency situation does occur, cell service is very limited along the river.
By staying informed and taking a few precautions, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable float trip...a trip that is memorable for all the right reasons!
Weather
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-94.68206324420248&lat=36.15348310201679
River Levels
WOKA Webcam Live River Conditions
https://visitwoka.com/wave-cams/
Watts Gauge
https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=tsa&gage=wtto2
Chewey Gauge
https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=tsa&gage=cwyo2
Tahlequah Gauge
https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=tsa&gage=talo2
USGS Illinois River Level Tahlequah
USGS Illinois River Level Watts
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/07195500/#parameterCode=00065&period=P7D
SAVE THE ILLINOIS RIVER
FLASH FLOOD WARNING: Camp or float at your own risk! The main campground is on a gravel bar very close to the river which can and does get completely submerged during highwater. A flash flood can occur without warning, day or night, 365 days a year. You are responsible for monitoring river levels and weather conditions. HWC does not monitor or send notifications to guests regarding changing conditions. There are several links offered on this website to assist you in your own research.
If you choose to camp on the gravel bar and heavy rain is present on site or upriver, be prepared to break camp and move to higher ground. If you notice the river rising while you are camping, move to higher ground and get off of the gravel bar immediately. Its is highly recommended that you do not leave vehicles unattended on the gravel bar during your float, especially if the water levels are already high and more rain is expected. You may park vehicles in the main parking area or in the meadow. Please cancel your trip if heavy rain or flooding is forecasted. We want everyone to be safe. It is 100% up to you to be responsible for your own safety while camping and on the river. I don't want to scare anyone away, but I want you to be fully informed so you can make your own decisions.
ALTERNATE CAMPSITE: You may also choose to camp in the meadow if the river levels are high or expected to rise. You do not need additional permission or a separate reservation to use this option. It is always available to our camping guests. It is up to you to decide which location is best for your group.
LIFE SAFETY RISK: Flash flooding is a real concern and the consequences could be a severe risk to your life. You could die. For legal and liability concerns, that is about as blunt as I can state it. Seriously, if you have any concerns about your ability to safely exit the gravel bar or river from a flashflood, either camp at the Alternate Campsite or do not stay here.
Okay, now that I am done scaring the crap out of you….On a better note, when the weather is good, the river and the beach here are pretty darn nice. The point is, you need to be vigilant and have a plan. If you are still reading this and have not already booked a campsite at another location, Welcome to HWC, where we don’t sugar coat the liability information.