Float-time engine · USACE river miles · live flow + wind
Plan a float
Pick a put-in and a take-out anywhere on the 2,341-mile mainstem. The estimate uses today's gauge readings, the character of each reach (free-flowing, channelized, or reservoir), and the wind forecast along your actual route — including crossing advisories on the big lakes.
Reservoir wind advisories
Big-water wind on the Missouri reservoirs is the primary hazard. Cross early, stay near shore, and treat anything over 25 mph as a no-go.
Day by day
By reach
Estimates, not gospel: flat-water cruise 3.0 mph scaled by craft and effort, plus reach current scaled by √(today's flow ÷ long-term mean), plus a head/tail/cross wind adjustment (amplified on open reservoirs). Wind uses the hourly forecast for the first ~4 days, calm assumed beyond. Miles are USACE 1960 river miles on the NHDPlus mainstem. Always check conditions and file a float plan.