Haw River Near Bynum flow report
As of July 16, 2026, Haw River Near Bynum is flowing at 160 cfs with a gage height of 2.96 ft, receding 20% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #02096960, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Haw River Near Bynum at a glance
How Haw River Near Bynum is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Haw River Near Bynum is flowing at 160 cfs, with the water sitting 2.96 ft at the gage. Flow is down 20% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #02096960 in North Carolina. Over the past 10 days the average has been 119 cfs, peaking at 200 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the North Carolina flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #02096960).
Percentiles are flow-duration values computed from this gauge’s observed daily record as archived by Snoflo. Return periods are Weibull plotting-position estimates from observed annual maxima, provided as general reference context only. Always verify against official USGS NWIS records. Part of Snoflo for Engineering.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Haw River Near Bynum is expected to hold near today's 160 cfs, toward roughly 161 cfs by 2026-07-20 (likely range 58-444 cfs) -- running well below the seasonal normal.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
| Date | Expected (p50) | Likely range (p25–p75) | vs normal | Projected stage |
|---|
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year overlay, annual peak discharge, the full distribution of daily flows on record, and the gauge's rating curve.
Weather Forecast
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Haw River Near Bynum
The river is fed by several tributaries, including New Hope Creek and Cane Creek. There are several dams on the river, including the Bynum Dam and the Saxapahaw Dam. The river experiences seasonal fluctuations in flow, with higher rates during the spring and lower rates during the summer. The Haw River is known for its diverse aquatic life, including several species of fish and mussels, as well as its role in providing drinking water for several North Carolina cities. Additionally, the river has been the focus of conservation efforts due to its ecological importance.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Haw River Near Bynum's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Haw River Near Bynum | 160 cfs |
| Deep River At Moncure | 93 cfs |
| Morgan Creek Near Chapel Hill | 9 cfs |
| Morgan Creek Near White Cross | 0 cfs |
| White Oak Cr At Mouth Near Green Level | 0 cfs |
| New Hope Creek Near Blands | 16 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Haw River Near Bynum. Spring snowmelt is the dominant driver of streamflow in mountain basins -- a deep snowpack upstream means more runoff later in the season.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Franklinton 3.7 Sse | 0 in |
River levels & flood safety
- Read the level before you go
- A river that's runnable at one flow can be deadly at another. Check current discharge and gage height — like the values shown above — against the flood-stage thresholds, and remember levels can spike fast after rain or a dam release.
- Respect cold water
- Snowmelt rivers run cold even in summer. Sudden immersion triggers cold-water shock and saps strength within minutes. Wear a PFD, dress for the water temperature (not the air), and never wade or paddle alone.
- Watch for swiftwater hazards
- Strainers (downed trees), undercut rocks, and low-head dams are the deadliest features on moving water. High, fast, muddy water hides them. If in doubt, scout from shore and portage.
- Mind flash floods & releases
- Narrow canyons can flood from a storm miles upstream, and dam-controlled reaches can rise without warning. Know the forecast, the release schedule, and your exit before you launch.
Track Haw River Near Bynum in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Haw River Near Bynum crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Haw River Near Bynum
Where does the streamflow data for Haw River Near Bynum come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 02096960. Snoflo refreshes the time series throughout the day. Forecasts come from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
USGS gauges report continuously (typically every 15 minutes). Snoflo pulls fresh values throughout the day — look for the "as of" timestamp on the streamflow hero card.
What's the difference between discharge and gage height?
Discharge (cubic feet per second, or cfs) is the volume of water flowing past the gauge each second. Gage height is how high the water sits at the gauge (feet). They're related by a rating curve specific to each gauge — higher water means more flow, but the exact ratio depends on channel shape.
How is "percent of median" calculated?
Today's discharge is compared to the historical median discharge on this calendar day across the gauge's full record. 100% = right on median; 200% = a very high year; 30% = a drought-level low.
What are flood stages, and is this river safe right now?
Flood stages are NWS-defined gage-height thresholds — Action, Minor, Moderate, Major — marking when nearby roads or floodplains start to be affected. "Safe" depends on your activity and skill: a level that's a fun paddle for an expert can be lethal for a wader. Always check the current level against the thresholds above and the safety links, and when in doubt, stay off the water.
Can I get alerts when Haw River Near Bynum rises?
Yes — flow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this gauge, set a streamflow threshold (e.g. "alert me when discharge crosses 5,000 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
Access the free Haw River Near Bynum report
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