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Buck Creek — Dahl Road to Stab (old KY 80): Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Buck Creek · Class I · Kentucky

Current verdict

No runnable range yet

We don’t have a runnable range for this section yet — many of these are calm or dam-controlled reaches. Here’s the current gauge reading; check it (and, for tailwaters, the dam’s generation schedule) before you go.

62 cfs/ 1.9 ft gauge
Estimated range

USGS gauge 03407500 · updated Jul 9, 8:30 AM UTC

7-day flow trend

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Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty
Class I
Length
4 mi
Float time
~2 hr
Best months
April–October
Put-in
Dahl Road / Rainey Road Access (KY 1677)
Take-out
Old KY 80 bridge at Stab

Reading USGS gauge 03407500 — BUCK CREEK NEAR SHOPVILLE, KY · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Buck Creek — Dahl Road to Stab (old KY 80)?

We don't yet have a published runnable range for this section, so we can't give a firm number. Check the live USGS gauge and ask a local outfitter before you go.

How do I check Buck Creek levels?

We read USGS gauge 03407500 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Is Buck Creek — Dahl Road to Stab (old KY 80) good for beginners?

This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.

When is the best time to paddle Buck Creek here?

Typically April–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.

How long does it take to float Buck Creek — Dahl Road to Stab (old KY 80)?

This reach is about 4 miles, roughly 2 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

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