Gauge Conditions

Big Rib River at Rib Falls, WI Downstream Primary

Runnable: 300.0 – 5,000.0 CFS

Probably too low. (Likely under 130 cfs.)

Prairie River near Merrill, WI Downstream Primary

Runnable: 300.0 – 1,000.0 CFS

Likely too low.

Data from American Whitewater & USGS

Run Map

Run Time Estimate

Put-in

Take-out

Select put-in and take-out to estimate time.

Unlock Advanced Trip Planning

See wind-adjusted speed maps, forecast planning, and detailed time estimates.

Whitewater timing varies with scouting, portages, and group pace. Use as a planning baseline.

Description

A half-mile, scenic, entertaining dells section is the highlight of this reach. While there is a "Rib Falls" some 15-20 miles downstream, the majority of the intervening river is flatwater. At Rib Falls, the river drops abruptly about 4-5' over a scenic rock outcropping. There is rock in the landing zone, so it is generally of little boating interest to anyone concerned about their boat and body! (The bridge immediately downstream is the site of the gauge used for this reach.) Downstream, the remainder of the river returns to a peaceful float through Wisconsin's heartland.