Content
Request and receive flows on your mobile device via text message! Learn how at boatingbeta.com/tflows.
This page is available in WAP format. Check flows using your PDA or mobile phone using the url boatingbeta.com/wflows.
The following release schedules are available as Google calendars: Cheoah, Coosa, Gauley, Middle Ocoee, Upper Ocoee, Nantahala, Pigeon, Russell Fork, Tallulah, Tuckasegee, Upper Yough and The Full Monty (all eleven schedules). Visit boatingbeta Google Calendars to learn how to add release schedules to your personal Google calendar.
Runs and Levels
| Run | Class | Current Level | Reference Gage | Gage Quality & Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Creek, Lower (Downstream of NPS Campground) | IV | 1.04 feet (estimated) 09/28/2023 19:30 EDT  |
BoatingBeta.com: Big Creek at Playground Bridge VG | Very Good. Playground bridge visual gage (no visual, washed out Spring 2003): min = 1.5' opt = 2.0-3.5' max = 4.5'. Based on Oconaluftee and Cataloochee Creek flows. Overpredicts when water is less than 1.1'; predicts best in normal boatable range. Color codes: minimum = 1.5, medium = 2 - 3.5, too high = 4.5. |
| 944 cfs 04/17/2020 09:00 EDT  |
TVA: Little Pigeon (Sevierville) | Speculative. Very dependable rule of thumb: running if TVA: Little Pigeon (Sevierville) is 1500 - 4000 cfs. The color coding is speculation, however: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 1500, medium = 2500 - 3000, too high = 4000. | ||
| 160 cfs 09/28/2023 20:00 EDT |
USGS: Oconaluftee | Speculative. Dependable rule of thumb: running if USGS: Oconaluftee is 860 - 3000 cfs. The color coding is speculation, however: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 860, medium = 1500 - 2500, too high = 3000. | ||
| 34.9 cfs 09/28/2023 19:30 EDT |
USGS: Cataloochee | Speculative. Dependable rule of thumb: running if USGS: Cataloochee is 250 - 500 cfs. The color coding is speculation, however: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 250, medium = 375 - 575, too high = 650. | ||
| Big Creek, Upper (Upstream of NPS Campground) | V | 1.04 feet (estimated) 09/28/2023 19:30 EDT |
BoatingBeta.com: Big Creek at Playground Bridge VG | Very Good. Playground bridge visual gage (no visual, washed out Spring 2003): min = 1.5' opt = 1.7-2.4' max = 3'. Based on Oconaluftee and Cataloochee Creek flows. Overpredicts when water is less than 1.1'; predicts best in normal boatable range. Color codes: minimum = 1.5, medium = 1.7 - 2.4, too high = 3. |
| 944 cfs 04/17/2020 09:00 EDT |
TVA: Little Pigeon (Sevierville) | Speculative. Very dependable rule of thumb: running if TVA: Little Pigeon (Sevierville) is 1500 - 3000 cfs. The color coding is speculation, however: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 1500, medium = 2000 - 2500, too high = 3000. | ||
| 160 cfs 09/28/2023 20:00 EDT |
USGS: Oconaluftee | Speculative. Dependable rule of thumb: running if USGS: Oconaluftee is 860 - 2400 cfs. The color coding is speculation, however: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 860, medium = 1200 - 2000, too high = 2400. | ||
| 34.9 cfs 09/28/2023 19:30 EDT |
USGS: Cataloochee | Speculative. Dependable rule of thumb: running if USGS: Cataloochee is 250 - 500 cfs. The color coding is speculation, however: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 250, medium = 300 - 450, too high = 500. | ||
| Brush Creek | IV-V | 38.4 cfs (Ivy) 09/28/2023 19:30 EDT |
USGS: Ivy | Poor. Insufficient information: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 500, medium = 1000 - 2500, too high = 3000. |
| Caney Fork (Rock Island) | (IV) Park and Play | 6329 cfs 04/17/2020 10:00 CDT |
BoatingBeta.com: Rock Island VG TVA: Great Falls Dam |
Excellent. Hole under water when Center Hill Lake is over 650 feet. Call 1-800-238-2264, 4, 36 for Great Falls Dam release. Click Great Falls Dam for predicted releases (need 2 or more units). Color codes: minimum = 2000, medium = 2400 - 3200, too high = 7500. |
| 647.53 feet 04/17/2020 10:00 CDT |
TVA: Center Hill Lake | Excellent. Call 1-800-238-2264, 1, 37 for Center Hill Lake level. Color codes: minimum = 0, medium = 1 - 649.9, too high = 650. | ||
| Chattooga, Section 0 (Bull Pen Bridge to Burrell's Ford) | II-V(V+) | 34.4 cfs 09/28/2023 19:45 EDT |
USGS: Chattooga at Burrells Ford Bridge | Excellent. This is the gage used by the USFS to determine if the Upper Chattooga is open for boating. According to the current USFS regulations, boating is allowed on the Upper Chattooga Wild and Scenic River corridor only from December to April, only on the days after flows reach 350 cfs or greater at the Burrells Ford Gauge, and only during daylight hours. While not perfect, the current access is the result of a decades long battle fought by American Whitewater and a team of pro bono lawyers. You are a member, right? Color codes: minimum = 349.99, medium = 350 - 500, too high = 1000. |
| Chattooga, Section 1 (Burrell's Ford to Lick Log Creek) | II-V(V+) | 34.4 cfs 09/28/2023 19:45 EDT |
USGS: Chattooga at Burrells Ford Bridge | Excellent. This is the gage used by the USFS to determine if the Upper Chattooga is open for boating. According to the current USFS regulations, boating is allowed on the Upper Chattooga Wild and Scenic River corridor only from December to April, only on the days after flows reach 350 cfs or greater at the Burrells Ford Gauge, and only during daylight hours. In addition, the five miles between Lick Log Creek and the State Route 28 bridge are illegal to boat as well, so don't go past the take-out! While not perfect, the current access is the result of a decades long battle fought by American Whitewater and a team of pro bono lawyers. You are a member, right? Color codes: minimum = 349.99, medium = 350 - 700, too high = 1200. |
| Chattooga, Section 4 | IV-IV+ | 1.08 feet 09/28/2023 20:00 EDT |
USGS: Chattooga | Excellent. Gage short distance downstream from put-in. Color codes: minimum = 1.4, medium = 1.8 - 2.05, too high = 2.2. |
| Chattooga, Section 4 | IV-IV+ | 0.76 feet (estimated) 09/28/2023 20:00 EDT |
BoatingBeta.com: Chattooga River at 76 Bridge VG | Excellent. Converts USGS stage readings to stage readings on the Route 76 bridge paddler's gage a short distance downstream from the put-in. At 1.2 feet on the USGS gage the 76 Bridge Gage reads 0.9 feet; the discrepancy gets smaller as levels rise, with no discrepancy at levels above 2.2 feet. Color codes: minimum = 1.2, medium = 1.7 - 2, too high = 2.2. |
| Chauga Gorge | IV | 1.08 feet (Chattooga) 09/28/2023 20:00 EDT |
USGS: Chattooga | Speculative. Cassidy Bridge PI visual gage: min = -3" opt = +3"-1' max = 2'. Poor correlation with online gage. Insufficient observations: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 2.2, medium = 2.6 - 3.4, too high = 4. |
| Cheoah | III-IV+ | 78.4 cfs 09/28/2023 20:00 EDT |
USGS: Cheoah | Excellent. Gage located at start of bottom third of run. Bottom third can be enjoyably run at lower levels -- perhaps as low as 450 cfs depending on one's capacity for boat abuse. Annual calendar of scheduled Cheoah releases. Color codes: minimum = 800, medium = 1000 - 1500, too high = 2000. |
| Crooked Fork Creek | IV | 45.5 cfs (Emory) 09/28/2023 20:00 EDT |
USGS: Emory | Fair. PI gage: min = 3.4' med = 4.2' high = 4.6'. Run well upstream of gage. Insufficient observations: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 3500, medium = 4000 - 5000, too high = 5500. |
| Doe Gorge | IV | 435 cfs 04/17/2020 09:00 EDT |
TVA: Doe | Excellent. TVA : Doe. Color codes: minimum = 300, medium = 450 - 700, too high = 1200. |
| Elk River, Twisting Falls | IV-V (VI) | 48.2 cfs (Watauga) 09/28/2023 19:30 EDT |
USGS: Watauga | Speculative. Insufficient observations: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 450, medium = 600 - 900, too high = 1200. |
| French Broad, North Fork | IV-IV+ | 74.4 cfs (FB@Rosman) 09/28/2023 20:15 EDT |
USGS: FB (Rosman) | Fair. 64 bridge visual gage: min = 0', opt = 6"-1', max = 3'. Run well upstream of gage. Insufficient observations: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 350, medium = 500 - 1700, too high = 2500. |
| French Broad, West Fork | IV-IV+ | 74.4 cfs (FB@Rosman) 09/28/2023 20:15 EDT |
USGS: FB (Rosman) | Fair. Run well upstream of gage. Often runnable a couple hours longer than the NF. Insufficient observations: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 450, medium = 500 - 1700, too high = 2500. |
| Gauley, Upper | IV-V-- | 689 cfs (estimated) 09/28/2023 19:45 EDT |
BoatingBeta.com: Gauley River Below Summersville Dam VG | Very Good. Based on the rating table the USGS used as of 10/01/03 and stage readings from USGS gage at the put in. Alt: Army Corps of Engineers Summersville Lake Outflow. Scheduled releases occur in September and early October; unscheduled releases occur year round. Water takes no time to reach put-in. Annual calendar of scheduled Gauley releases. Color codes: minimum = 600, medium = 1100 - 3500, too high = 5000. |
| Gauley, Lower | III-IV+ | 773 cfs 09/28/2023 20:00 EDT |
USGS: Gauley Above Belva | Very Good. This gage measures the flow approximately four miles downstream of the take-out at Swiss. Scheduled releases occur in September and early October; unscheduled releases occur year round. Water takes approximately 4.5 hours to reach put-in. Annual calendar of scheduled Gauley releases. Color codes: minimum = 1000, medium = 1500 - 3500, too high = 5000. |
| Green, Dries | III-V | 0 feet over dam 08/05/2020 23:50 EDT |
BoatingBeta.com: Green River Below Summit Lake VG | Fair. The Dries aren't paddled as often as they should be so I don't have as much information as I'd like to. I do, however, have a table describing the relationship between spill over the dam and cfs in the Dries. It is based on an old Duke Power table displaying lake levels by tenths of a foot from 100.1 to 101.0 and the corresponding CFS values. I filled in the gaps and extrapolated beyond Duke's table using Excel to fit a second order polynomial. I also created two graphs displaying the relationship between spill over the dam and cfs in the Dries from 100.00 to 101.00 feet and from 100.00 to 103.00 feet. Color codes: minimum = 0.6, medium = 0.7 - 0.8, too high = 0.9. |
| 0 cfs (estimate) 08/05/2020 23:50 EDT |
BoatingBeta.com: Green River Below Summit Lake VG | Fair. Too few reports. Color coding consistent with that on dam spill, but I have little beta connected levels to difficulty. Color codes: minimum = 330, medium = 420 - 510, too high = 605. | ||
| Green, Narrows | IV-V (2@V+) | Narrows PI 08/05: Release flows past the put-in at 100% capacity from 2:30am to 2:29am tomorrow. 08/05/2020 23:50 EDT  |
BoatingBeta.com: Green River at Gallimore Road Access VG | Sometimes Funky. See note on issues with schedules above. This schedule takes into account the 2 hour delay between the start of the release and arrival of water at the put-in. If you put-on close to the time the release ends, paddle fast: the water drops faster than it rises. Note that the capacity is stated as a percent of a 1 Unit release. Each partial unit adds 60%, each full unit adds 100%, and water spilling over the dam adds additional flow measured as a % that depends on the height of Lake Summit above the dam. |
| 100 % 08/05/2020 23:50 EDT |
BoatingBeta.com: Green River at Gallimore Road Access VG | Sometimes Funky. See note on issues with schedules above. The timing and volume of the flow estimated in the second cell to the left takes into account the 2 hour delay discussed above. Color codes: minimum = 60, medium = 100 - 160, too high = 210. | ||
| Island Creek, Catoosa Bridge to Emory River | III-IV+ | 45.5 cfs (Emory) 09/28/2023 20:00 EDT |
USGS: Emory | Fair. Gage on river to which Island Creek is a tributary. Painted gage on downstream center pier of put-in bridge: min = 2" opt = 1' high = 1.5' (begins to get pushy). Alternate put-in 6 miles upstream at Catoosa Road. Color codes: minimum = 10000, medium = 14000 - 20000, too high = 30000. |
| 60 cfs (proxy) 09/28/2023 19:45 EDT |
USGS: Clear Creek at Lilly Bridge | Speculative. Gage located in a related watershed. Color codes: minimum = 1200, medium = 1500 - 2300, too high = 3500. | ||
| Linville Gorge (Linville Falls to Lake James) | IV-V+ | 1.06 feet 09/28/2023 19:45 EDT |
USGS: Linville | Good. Gage at TO; record of PI flow six hours earlier. Readings on this gage and boatable flows appear to have reverted back to their pre-floods of 2004 relationship. The color coding was been updated 2008-11-15 to reflect this but more input is always appreciated: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 1.7, medium = 2 - 2.4, too high = 2.7. |
| Little (AL), Rt 35 to Upper Two (Suicide) | IV-V | 4.44 cfs 09/28/2023 19:00 CDT |
USGS: Little (near Blue Pond) | Very Good. Gage is located 11 miles dowstream of the put-in, so if the river is on the rise, the Suicide section can become runnable before it is reflected on the online gauge. The opposite can occur when the level is dropping unusually fast, such as after a summer thunderstom. An alternate gage is located about 6 miles upstream of the put-in (on one of the 3 forks of the little river) and can be used an early indicator to see if and how quickly the water level is rising or falling: USGS: WF Little at DeSoto Park. Color codes: minimum = 250, medium = 600 - 1500, too high = 3500. |
| Little (TN), Metcalf Bottoms to the Elbow (Sinks) | IV-IV+ | 2.06 feet 01/21/2021 14:09 EST |
AFWS: Little River (Townsend) SG | Excellent.This gage is 0.25 miles downstream of a major tributary, but the main stem and tributary flows are highly correlated and the tributary generally contributes only 15-20% of the total flow. Note: AFWS gages can report sporadically. Here are links to the Little River (Townsend) hydrograph and Little River (Townsend) streamflow archive. Color codes: minimum = 2.4, medium = 2.9 - 3.5, too high = 5. |
| 221 cfs (estimated) 01/21/2021 14:09 EST |
BoatingBeta.com: Little River Above Townsend VG | Very good. Based on USGS data on the relationship between stages and flows January 2001-August 2003. The flow color coding differs slightly from the stage color coding to make the critical flow points more memorable. The gage is 0.25 miles downstream of a major tributary and downstream of the run itself, so the actual flow will generally be about 20-25% less that the flow reported here. Color codes: minimum = 350, medium = 600 - 1000, too high = 2400. | ||
| Little (TN), Middle Prong (Tremont) | IV | 2.06 feet (tributary) 01/21/2021 14:09 EST |
AFWS: Little River (Townsend) SG | Fair.This gage is 0.25 miles downstream of the Middle Prong's confluence with the little. The main stem and it's tributary's flows are highly correlated, but the Middle Prong generally contributes only 15-20% of the total flow and thus has a smaller influence on the gage than the main stem. The Middle Prong is almost certainly runnable if the Little is over 4 feet, but may or may not be if it is lower. Note: AFWS gages can report sporadically. Here are links to the Little River (Townsend) hydrograph and Little River (Townsend) streamflow archive. Color codes: minimum = 3, medium = 3.6 - 4.3, too high = 6. |
| 221 cfs (estimated) 01/21/2021 14:09 EST |
BoatingBeta.com: Little River Above Townsend VG | Fair. Based on USGS data on the relationship between stages and flows January 2001-August 2003. The flow color coding differs slightly from the stage color coding to make the critical flow points more memorable. The gage is 0.25 miles downstream of the confluence of the Middle Prong and the main stem, with the Middle Prong generally contributing about 15-20% of the total flow. The actual flow is thus about 15-20% of the flow reported here. Color codes: minimum = 660, medium = 1100 - 1700, too high = 3600. | ||
| NA NA |
BoatingBeta.com: Middle Prong at Tremont Institute VG | Nonexistant. Wouldn't this be a great gage to have? The stick gage upon which it could be based is located on the downstream side of the bridge over the creek at the Tremont Institute (about 1 mile above the "Y"). Make this virtual gage a reality: Report your runs! Visual stick gage readings according to Kirk Eddlemon's 12/2008 guestimates: minimum = 0.8, medium = 1 - 1.25, too high = 1.5. | ||
| Little Clear Creek, Highway 62 to Lilly | IV-V- | 4.73 feet (Clear Creek) 09/28/2023 19:45 EDT |
USGS: Clear Creek at Lilly Bridge | Good. Gage on Clear Creek near confluence with Little Clear Creek. Color codes: minimum = 7.7, medium = 8.06 - 8.78, too high = 9.55. |
| 60 cfs (proxy) 09/28/2023 19:45 EDT |
USGS: Clear Creek at Lilly Bridge | Good. USGS gage on Clear Creek near confluence with Little Clear Creek. Color codes: minimum = 1200, medium = 1500 - 2300, too high = 3500. | ||
| Little Pigeon, Lower West Prong (Picnic Area to Campbell Overlook) | V | 1.31 inches (rain, 24 hours) 01/21/2021 14:15 EST |
AFWS: Newfound Gap RG | Speculative. Warning! The relationship between the Picnic area bridge visual gage and safely boatable flows has changed several time in the last couple years. The following values are at best hints . . . observe the flow independently of the gage and use your judgement! Picnic area bridge visual gage: min = 1', opt = 1.3-1.5', max = 1.7'. If water table up, look for widespread 1+" of rain, esp. at Newfound Gap; in summer look for 1.5+": AFWS: Sevier County. Insufficient observations: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 1, medium = 1.5 - 2, too high = 2.5. |
| 1 feet (estimated) 01/21/2021 13:39 EST |
BoatingBeta.com: West Prong at Picnic Area VG | Speculative. Based on the AFWS: Chimney Pic SG; as of December 2008 it appears the online gage reads about .7 feet above the visual gage. Help dial this gage in, both the relationship to the visual gage and the color coding (the relationship between the Picnic Area visual reading and boatabilty changes more frequently than any other gage I know): Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 1, medium = 1.3 - 1.5, too high = 1.7. | ||
| 1.74 feet 01/21/2021 13:39 EST  |
AFWS: Chimney Pic SG | Speculative. Gage has been offline more than offline for years. As of December 2008 it appears the online gage reads about .7 feet above the visual gage. Help dial this gage in, both the relationship to the visual gage and the color coding (which frequently changes): Report your runs! Note: AFWS gages can report sporadically. Here are links to the Chimney Picnic Area (West Prong) hydrograph and Chimney Picnic Area (West Prong) streamflow archive. Color codes: minimum = 1.7, medium = 2 - 2.2, too high = 2.4. | ||
| Little Pigeon, Middle Prong, Trailhead to Porters Creek (Ramsey Cascades) | IV-V- | 944 cfs 04/17/2020 09:00 EDT |
TVA: Little Pigeon (Sevierville) | Poor. Route 321 bridge visual gage: min = 2'. Runs when W. Prong on high side. Insufficient observations: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 3000, medium = 3500 - 4000, too high = 4500. |
| Little Pigeon, Road Prong of the West Prong | V-V+ | 1.31 inches (rain, 24 hours) 01/21/2021 14:15 EST |
AFWS: Newfound Gap RG | Speculative. Footbridge visual gage: 12 painted stripes down (-12") = min; if -7" can run Upper Road Prong. Runs when everything else too high. Insufficient observations: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 1, medium = 1.5 - 2, too high = 2.5. |
| Little Pigeon, Upper Upper West Prong (Alum Cave to Trailhead) | V-V+ | 1.31 inches (rain, 24 hours) 01/21/2021 14:15 EST |
AFWS: Newfound Gap RG | Speculative. Put-in bridge visual gage: min = 2.4', 2.8' = opt., max = at least 3'. Color codes: minimum = 1.5, medium = 2 - 2.5, too high = 3. |
| Little Pigeon, Upper West Prong (Trailhead to Picnic Area) | V-V+ | 1.31 inches (rain, 24 hours) 01/21/2021 14:15 EST |
AFWS: Newfound Gap RG | Speculative. Warning! The relationship between the Picnic area bridge visual gage and safely boatable flows has changed several time in the last couple years. The following values are at best hints . . . observe the flow independently of the gage and use your judgement! Picnic area bridge visual gage: min = 1', opt = 1.3-1.5', max = 1.7'. If water table up, look for widespread 1+" of rain, esp. at Newfound Gap; in summer look for 1.5+": AFWS: Sevier County. Insufficient observations: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 1, medium = 1.5 - 2, too high = 2.5. |
| 1 feet (estimated) 01/21/2021 13:39 EST |
BoatingBeta.com: West Prong at Picnic Area VG | Speculative. Based on the AFWS: Chimney Pic SG; as of December 2008 it appears the online gage reads about .7 feet above the visual gage. Help dial this gage in, both the relationship to the visual gage and the color coding (the relationship between the Picnic Area visual reading and boatabilty changes more frequently than any other gage I know): Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 1, medium = 1.3 - 1.5, too high = 1.7. | ||
| 1.74 feet 01/21/2021 13:39 EST |
AFWS: Chimney Pic SG | Speculative. Gage has been offline more than offline for years. As of December 2008 it appears the online gage reads about .7 feet above the visual gage. Help dial this gage in, both the relationship to the visual gage and the color coding (which frequently changes): Report your runs! Note: AFWS gages can report sporadically. Here are links to the Chimney Picnic Area (West Prong) hydrograph and Chimney Picnic Area (West Prong) streamflow archive. Color codes: minimum = 1.7, medium = 2 - 2.2, too high = 2.4. | ||
| Nantahala, Cascades | IV-V- | 15 cfs (estimated) 09/28/2023 19:30 EDT |
BoatingBeta.com: Nantahala Cascades VG | Good When the powerhouse is operating, this gage is calculated by subtracting 714 cfs (the power house's "hydraulic capacity") from the USGS: Nantahala at Hewett gage (near Ferebee Park, a couple miles downstream of the Cascades) and then subtracting an additional amount representing the water flowing into the gorge below the Cascades TO. When the power house is shut down the calculation is the same except 714 cfs isn't subtracted. As always, I'd love feedback based on your experience comparing the predicted level just before a run with your subjective evaluation of the level. Duke Power posts updates about the scheduled Cascade releases at their Nantahala Lake Message Page, including when those scheduled releases are cancelled. Finally, an annual calendar of scheduled releases is available at Duke Power's Nantahala Release Bypass Flow Schedule (select Nantahala Area on the dropdown menu; the link will be on the right side of the page you are taken to). Color codes: minimum = 200, medium = 250 - 350, too high = 600. |
| Overflow Creek | V | 0.37 feet (estimated) 09/28/2023 19:45 EDT |
BoatingBeta.com: Overflow Creek VG | Excellent. Based on USGS: Chattooga at Burrells Ford. Brian Jacobson's rule of thumb (almost as accurate as the virtual gage): Overflow = Burrells Ford - 1.0 foot (thanks for the data Brian!). Relationship closest when Chattooga is falling. Insufficient observations: Report your runs!. Relationship between stage and flow drifting: color codes updated 4/3/2011. Color codes: minimum = 0.7, medium = 1 - 1.5, too high = 2. |
| 1.08 feet (Chattooga) 09/28/2023 20:00 EDT |
USGS: Chattooga | Speculative. Visual gage: min = 1' opt = 1.2-1.5' max = 2'. Run well upstream of online gage; Chattooga must be rising. Insufficient observations: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 2.5, medium = 3 - 4, too high = 5. | ||
| Pigeon (Big), Dries | IV-IV+ (2@V) | 0 cfs (estimated) 09/28/2023 20:00 EDT |
BoatingBeta.com: Pigeon River Below Walters Dam VG | Poor. Insufficient observations: Report levels relative to Harmon Den low water bridge (inches below top of the bridge) or the upstream river right bricks (water up to which brick, brick #1 = most river right, amount of brick underwater). Color codes: minimum = 350, medium = 500 - 800, too high = 1500. |
| Pigeon (Big), West Fork | V | 21.4 cfs 09/28/2023 20:15 EDT |
USGS: WF Pigeon | Very Good. Insufficient observations: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 280, medium = 400 - 800, too high = 1000. |
| Powell, South Fork (Big Cherry water plant to Durhams Chapel) | V+ | 71.5 cfs 09/28/2023 19:45 EDT |
USGS: Powell (Jonesville) | Speculative. See AW description and look for heavy rain (AFWS: Wise County). Insufficient observations: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 2500, medium = 3000 - 3500, too high = 4000. |
| Raven Fork, The Gorges | V-V+ (VI) | 160 cfs (Oconaluftee) 09/28/2023 20:00 EDT |
USGS: Oconaluftee | Fair. AFWS: Trout Farm SG min = 1.6'. Insufficient observations: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 750, medium = 900 - 1200, too high = 1500. |
| Rocky Broad, Lower | IV-V- | 3.44 feet 01/21/2021 09:55 EST |
AFWS: Bat Cave SG | Fair. Gage at the put-in but online readings can be flaky; as of 12/1/2010 the online and US 64 Bridge visual gage readings are very close (we'll see how long this lasts!). Based on your reports (Report your runs!) I periodically update the online gage color coding so that it corresponds to the following visual gage interpretations: min = 3.6' opt = 3.9-4.1' max = 4.3'. Note: AFWS gages can report sporadically. Here are links to the Bat Cave (Rocky Broad) hydrograph and Bat Cave streamflow archive. Color codes: minimum = 3.6, medium = 3.9 - 4.1, too high = 4.3. |
| Rocky Broad, Upper | IV-V- | 3.44 feet 01/21/2021 09:55 EST |
AFWS: Bat Cave SG | Fair. Gage downstream of several feeder streams at the end of the run plus the online readings can be flaky; the only way to be certain the Upper is running is to eyeball it at the put-in. Fortunately, if you get skunked on the Upper the Lower is almost certainly running. As of 12/1/2010 the online and US 64 Bridge visual gage readings are very close; since they've drifted a lot over the years, here are visual gage interpretations: min = 4.3' opt = 4.4-4.6' max = 4.8' on the US 64 Bridge visual gage. Note: AFWS gages can report sporadically. Here are links to the Bat Cave (Rocky Broad) hydrograph and Bat Cave streamflow archive. Color codes: minimum = 4.3, medium = 4.4 - 4.6, too high = 4.8. |
| Russell Fork of the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy, Gorge | IV-V | 105.6 cfs (estimated) 09/28/2023 19:30 EDT |
USGS: Russell Fork + USGS: Pound | Excellent. The gages that are combined to create this virtual gage are located approximately five (Pound) and seven (Russell Fork) miles upstream of the Garden Hole put-in. Alt: Army Corps of Engineers Russell Fork at Bartlick. This gage combines the Russell Fork and Pound River flows. It is located approximately three miles upstream of the Garden Hole put-in. Scheduled releases occur in October; unscheduled releases occur year round. Water takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach put-in. Annual calendar of scheduled Russell Fork releases. Color codes: minimum = 150, medium = 400 - 800, too high = 1500. |
| Saluda, Middle Fork | IV ? | 1.69 feet 09/28/2023 19:45 EDT |
USGS: Middle Saluda | Speculative. Color coding completely a guess. Insufficient observations: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 3.6, medium = 3.8 - 4.1, too high = 4.3. |
| Santeetlah Creek, Upper | V | 0.92 feet (Tellico) 09/28/2023 20:00 EDT |
USGS: Tellico | Speculative. Bridge near junction of FR 81 and FR 81C visual gage: min = a couple inches over the footing. Color coding inspired guesswork. Look for rainfall over 2" in 24 hours: AFWS: Graham County. Insufficient observations: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 4.5, medium = 5 - 6, too high = 7. |
| Slickrock Creek | IV-V | 0.92 feet (Tellico) 09/28/2023 20:00 EDT |
USGS: Tellico | Speculative. Paddle to confluence with Calderwood reservoir to confirm that level looks reasonable. Color coding inspired guesswork. Look for rainfall over 2" in 24 hours: AFWS: Graham County. Insufficient observations: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 5, medium = 6 - 7, too high = 8. |
| Snowbird Creek | III-IV+ | 0.92 feet (Tellico) 09/28/2023 20:00 EDT |
USGS: Tellico | Speculative. Color coding inspired guesswork. Look for rainfall over 2" in 24 hours: AFWS: Graham County. Insufficient observations: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 4.5, medium = 5 - 6, too high = 7. |
| 3.78 feet 01/21/2021 13:40 EST |
AFWS: Snowbird Creek SG | No Data. I have no flow coding information for this gage but once we have it dialed in it ought to be a great resource: Report your runs! Note: AFWS gages can report sporadically. Here are links to the Snowbird Creek hydrograph and Snowbird Creek streamflow archive. | ||
| Tallulah Gorge | IV (V) | 42.4 cfs 09/28/2023 20:15 EDT |
USGS: Tallulah | Excellent. Gage near end of whitewater section. Illegal to paddle on non-release days (first 2 April weekends and first 3 November weekends). Annual calendar of scheduled Tallulah releases. Color codes: minimum = 450, medium = 500 - 750, too high = 1200. |
| Tanasee Creek | IV+-V | 1.54 feet 01/21/2021 13:55 EST |
AFWS: Tanasee Creek SG | Excellent / Speculative. Gage at the put-in but very little experience reading it. Visually, if it looks like there is barely enough water to float a boat there is enough to run the creek -- a tributary adds water a couple hundred yards downstream. I've been told that if the creek appears to be running at a good level at the put-in it will be very pushy downstream. As always - - but especially so on this tight, wood-catching seldom run reach -- rely on your eyes and good judgement, not these speculative flow codes. Note that the IV+ rating is for low water runs, the V for moderate water runs. The closest road follows the creek on river right 400-800 difficult vertical feet above it. Let's get this gage dialed in: Report your runs! Note: AFWS gages can report sporadically. Here are links to the Tanasee Creek hydrograph and Tanasee Creek streamflow archive. Color codes: minimum = 2.85, medium = 3 - 3.25, too high = 3.4. |
| Tellico, Upper (First bridge above Bald River Falls to bridge below Jerrods Knee) | IV | 0.92 feet 09/28/2023 20:00 EDT |
USGS: Tellico | Very Good. Gage downstream of run. The Upper Tellico can be run quite low, but it gets increasingly boney below 1.5 feet. Color codes: minimum = 1.5, medium = 2 - 3.3, too high = 4.4. |
| 89.7 cfs 09/28/2023 20:00 EDT |
USGS: Tellico | Very Good. Note that as a general rule it is better to rely on USGS flow readings than stage readings as flow readings are adjusted for streambed changes. Gage downstream of run. The Upper Tellico can be run quite low, but it gets increasingly boney below 230 cfs. Color codes: minimum = 230, medium = 400 - 1000, too high = 1600. | ||
| Tuckaseegee, East Fork, Granny Burrel Falls to Rock Bridge (Upper Upper EF Tuckaseegee) | IV-V | 5.41 feet 01/21/2021 13:40 EST |
AFWS: Rock Bridge SG | Fair. Thanks to Kirk Eddlemon for tracking this gage and working out the levels. Some of the color coding is still speculative, however, and it is always good to have more data: Report your runs! Note: AFWS gages can report sporadically. Here are links to the Rock Bridge hydrograph and Rock Bridge streamflow archive. Color codes: minimum = 2, medium = 2.3 - 3, too high = 4. |
| 0.04 inches (rain,12 hrs) 01/21/2021 14:15 EST |
AFWS: Hogback RG | Speculative. Thanks to Kirk Eddlemon for tracking this gage and working out the levels. Except for the minimum the color coding is speculative, so Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 1.5, medium = 2 - 2.25, too high = 3. | ||
| 0.04 inches (rain, 24 hrs) 01/21/2021 14:15 EST |
AFWS: Hogback RG | Speculative. Thanks to Kirk Eddlemon for tracking this gage and working out the levels. Except for the minimum the color coding is speculative, so Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 2, medium = 3 - 4, too high = 5. | ||
| Tuckaseegee, West Fork | III-IV+ (V) | 7 cfs 09/28/2023 19:15 EDT |
BoatingBeta.com: West Fork Tuckaseegeee VG | Speculative. Calculated by subtracting the Thorpe and Cedar Cliff PH releases from the Tuck at Cullowhee flow. When flows appear high enough to boat, Duke Power is spilling water out of either/or Cedar Cliff and Glenville Lakes. Water spilled from Cedar Cliff can lead to a skunking; water spilled from Glenville for reasons other than recreation can lead to dangerous conditions. Duke Power posts information regarding spills from Cedar Cliff Lake on their Cedar Cliff Lake Message Page and from Lake Glenville on their Lake Glenville Message Page. They also post updated information on their recreational WF releases, including when those scheduled releases are cancelled, at the same link. An annual calendar of scheduled releases is available at Duke Power's West Fork Tuckasegee River Bypass Releases (select Nantahala Area on the dropdown menu; the link will be on the right side of the page you are taken to). Color codes: minimum = 250, medium = 300 - 350, too high = 400. |
| Watauga Gorge | IV-V- | 48.2 cfs 09/28/2023 19:30 EDT |
USGS: Watauga | Very Good. Gage 2 miles upstream of PI. Color codes: minimum = 160, medium = 250 - 500, too high = 1200. |
| Watauga, Red Roof | IV-V- | 1.94 feet 01/21/2021 13:40 EST |
AFWS: Watauga River/Foscoe SG | Excellent. Gage near put-in. Difficulty rating is for section below dam. Thank Eric Chance for this beta! We can always use more: Report your Red Roof runs! Note: AFWS gages can report sporadically. Here are links to the Watauga River/Foscoe hydrograph and Watauga River/Foscoe streamflow archive. Color codes: minimum = 4.5, medium = 5.5 - 6.5, too high = 8. |
| Wilson Creek, Gorge (flows) | IV | 1.91 feet 09/28/2023 19:45 EDT |
USGS: Wilson Creek (Adako Bridge) | Excellent. This USGS gage is located on Wilson Creek at Adako Bridge, essentially at the location of the traditional paddler's gage. Color codes: minimum = 2.5, medium = 3 - 3.5, too high = 4. |
| -13.08 inches 09/28/2023 19:45 EDT |
BoatingBeta.com: Wilson Creek VG | Excellent. This gage is based on the USGS gage located on Wilson Creek at Adako Bridge.nbsp; The USGS gage was set to make it read 3 feet when the traditional paddler's gage reads 0. Color codes: minimum = -6, medium = 0 - 6, too high = 12. | ||
| 150 cfs 09/28/2023 20:15 EDT |
USGS: Johns River | Fair. It is best to look at sets of gages to determine if Wilson Creek is running. WC is a tributary to the Johns River; the Johns River USGS gage is located 7.5 miles downstream of the WC visual gage so flows on the Johns Creek gage are serveral hours behind flows on WC. If both the Watauga and Johns River gages indicate that WC is running it most likely is, and at a level close to that on the WC virtual gage. If, on the other hand, the Watauga is running at a healthy level and Johns River hasn't budged the rain may have fallen on the west side of the mountains and WC is dry. Color codes: minimum = 300, medium = 500 - 1600, too high = 2000. | ||
| 48.2 cfs 09/28/2023 19:30 EDT |
USGS: Watauga | Fair. When rainfall is widespread the Watauga is an amazingly good predictor of the level on Wilson Creek. Widespread rainfall occurs frequently in the Winter and Spring, less often in the Summer. Look at the WC rain gauges (is the rainfall widespread?) and the Johns River gage (is it rising?). If the answers to these questions are "no," go run the Watauga instead! Color codes: minimum = 170, medium = 280 - 370, too high = 600. | ||
| 22.2 cfs 09/28/2023 19:45 EDT |
USGS: Yadkin (Patterson) | Fair. The Yadkin is the next watershed north of Johns Creek. If rainfall is widespread and the Upper Yadkin is over 50 cfs WC is generally running; If, on the other hand, the Yadkin is indicating a good WC flow and Johns Creek is indicating a marginal flow there is a good chance the rain fell north of the WC watershed and WC is not running. Color codes: minimum = 50, medium = 150 - 250, too high = 350. | ||
| Wilson Creek, Gorge (rainfall) | IV | NA inches (rain, 12 hr) 01/21/2021 14:15 EST |
AFWS: Edgemont RG | No Data. Located on Wilson Creek eight miles upstream of the Gorge. Use this and the rest of the WC rain gauges to determine where the rain has fallen and how much faith can be placed in the boatingbeta Adako Bridge virtual gage. The virtual gage is most likely to be accurate when the rainfall is widespread. If over an inch of rain has fallen at the Edgemont gauge in the past 24 hours there's a good chance Wilson Creek is running even if the virtual gage says it is not; if the Edgemont gauge hasn't received much rain but the other gauges have, there is a good chance the rain fell west or north of the Wilson Creek watershed and Wilson Creek is not running even if the virtual gage says it is. Inaccuracy in the virtual gage is most likely to occur in the summer due to the localized nature of summer thunderstorms. Note: Wilson Creek will continue to run for many days after significant rainfall. Here's a link to the Edgemont rainfall archive. |
| 0.04 inches (rain, 24 hr) 01/21/2021 14:15 EST |
AFWS: Grandfather Meadows RG | No Data. Located north west of the Wilson Creek watershed, at the tippy top of the Linville watershed and just south of the tippy top of the Watauga watershed. Very close to the top of the Eastern Continental Divide. Note: Wilson Creek will continue to run for many days after significant rainfall. Here's a link to the Grandfather Meadows rainfall archive. | ||
| NA inches (rain, 24 hr) 01/21/2021 14:15 EST |
AFWS: Globe RG | No Data. Located on Johns River, one ridge east and slightly north of the Edgemont gauge. Note: Wilson Creek will continue to run for many days after significant rainfall. Here's a link to the Globe rainfall archive. | ||
| 0 inches (rain, 24 hr) 01/21/2021 14:15 EST |
AFWS: Near Mulberry RG | No Data. Located two ridges east of Wilson Creek; like Wilson Creek, a tributary to the Johns River. Note: Wilson Creek will continue to run for many days after significant rainfall. Here's a link to the Near Mulberry rainfall archive. | ||
| 0 inches (rain, 24 hr) 01/21/2021 14:15 EST |
AFWS: Bailey Camp RG | No Data. Located three ridges east of Wilson Creek, high in the Yadkin watershed, and close to the Eastern Continental Divide. Note: Wilson Creek will continue to run for many days after significant rainfall. Here's a link to the Bailey Camp rainfall archive. | ||
| Yadkin, Upper | IV | 22.2 cfs 09/28/2023 19:45 EDT |
USGS: Yadkin (Patterson) | Speculative. Runs when everything around Wilson Creek is too high. Insufficient observations: Report your runs! Color codes: minimum = 150, medium = 200 - 350, too high = 450. |
| Youghiogheny, Upper | IV-V- | 125 cfs 09/28/2023 19:45 EDT |
USGS: Yough (Friendsville) | Fair. Gage near TO. Useful by self when river has natural flow and generating all day but not for pure-release flows (since the release window is narrow and can be over at the put-in by the time water reaches the gage). The standard release is 600 cfs. To estimate bubble flow before bubble reaches gage, add 600 cfs to gage reading. Alt: Call 315-413-2823 for updated release information. Annual calendar of scheduled Upper Yough releases. Color codes: minimum = 500, medium = 700 - 1000, too high = 1600. |
| 2.38 feet 09/28/2023 19:45 EDT |
USGS: Yough (Friendsville) | Fair. Gage near TO. Padders often refer to the painted gage on the bridge at the PI (Sang Run). The Sang Run gage reads approximately 1.25 feet less than the Friendsville gage, so a local rule of thumb is to subtract 1.2 from the Friendsville flow interpretation levels to get the Sang Run flow interpretation levels. Color codes: minimum = 3.078, medium = 3.282 - 3.539, too high = 3.955. |
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Flow Color Coding Key
| Color | Interpretation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
Note: assigning flow codes is highly subjective -- one person's "way too high" is another's "yahoo!" I have attempted to assign the codes relative to the typical person likely to boat the run at normal levels. "Too high" in this context means "the typical person found on this run at the levels it is most often paddled would find this run at this level very challenging." In general, runs are harder at higher levels. Use your discretion regarding the suitability of the run to your skill level and experience after seeing the level in person. |
||
| Too High | Beyond the envelope for the typical person likely to boat this run. | |
| High | Frequently run this high, but a stretch for the typical person likely to boat this run. | |
| Medium | Very enjoyable for the typical person likely to boat this run. | |
| Low | Frequently run this low. Worth a look but probably not a long drive. | |
| Too Low | Seldom run lower by anyone who isn't desperate and/or lives by the put-in. | |
| Don't Know | What's your opinion of this level? Email The River Gages Project. | |
Gage Quality Key
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Excellent | Gage located on the reach near the run. Significant number of observations. |
| Very good | Gage located on the reach but a significant number of tributaries upstream or downsteam from the run, or gage based on rainfall or located on a proxy reach. Significant number of observations and strong correlation. |
| Fair | Gage located on the reach near the run but very limited number of observations; gage located on the reach but a significant number of tributaries upstream or downsteam from the run, or gage based on rainfall or located on a proxy reach. Limited number of observations and/or modest correlation. |
| Poor | Gage is based on rainfall or located on a proxy reach. Significant number of observations but weak correlation. |
| Speculative | Gage is based on rainfall or located on a proxy reach. Very limited number of observations or very weak correlation. |
