-- Last Updated: Sep-21-12 10:55 AM EST --
Although things have eased a little, we ARE still in a drought. Around here in the southern Ozarks, most places are 10-15" below normal. However, the Current is not dependent only upon runoff, it gets constant water from springs. The Current on the Akers gauge is the one I use for the upper river. It has stayed above 150cfs, and a bit below 1' most of the summer.
I haven't paddled there in 2 weeks as I've been fighting bronchitis. But we have paddled from Cedar Grove to Blue Spring all summer at these same levels. At Cedar Grove a couple weeks ago, the furthest upstream we typically put in, it was low, but not unmanageable. I wouldn't have put a heavily loaded tandem in, but it was perfectly fine otherwise. Funny thing is, when the water level drops, side channels will close off and shunt the extra water to the main channel.
So if anyone is afraid they'll make a long drive and not be able to paddle because of LOW WATER, it aint gonna happen. When it's low like this, you just have less current, it's still a wonderful place.
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07064533&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060