Watauga River Near Sugar Grove flow report
As of July 13, 2026, Watauga River Near Sugar Grove is flowing at 237 cfs with a gage height of 2.26 ft, rising 173% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #03479000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Watauga River Near Sugar Grove at a glance
How Watauga River Near Sugar Grove is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Watauga River Near Sugar Grove is flowing at 237 cfs, with the water sitting 2.26 ft at the gage. Flow is up 173% since yesterday — a rising hydrograph.
This is USGS gauge #03479000 in North Carolina. Over the past 10 days the average has been 88 cfs, peaking at 255 cfs.
Over the next 5 days, Watauga River Near Sugar Grove is expected to recede from today's 237 cfs, toward roughly 155 cfs by 2026-07-18 (likely range 78-308 cfs) -- about normal for the date.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the North Carolina flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s Predictive Unified Learning & Simulation Engine, which learns from how this river has answered every past storm, snowmelt, and dry spell to forecast where it’s headed with a precision generic models can’t match.
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.
Watauga River Near Sugar Grove
The river's flow is influenced by several factors, including precipitation and snowmelt. The river is fed by several tributaries, including the Elk River and the Doe River. There are several dams built along the river, including the Watauga Dam and the Wilbur Dam. During the spring and summer months, the river experiences higher flows due to increased precipitation and snowmelt, while in the fall and winter, flows are typically lower. Interesting hydrologic facts about the Watauga River include its designation as a blue ribbon trout stream and its use for recreational activities such as kayaking and fishing.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Watauga River Near Sugar Grove's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Watauga River Near Sugar Grove | 237 cfs |
| Yadkin River At Patterson | 32 cfs |
| Doe River At Elizabethton | 293 cfs |
| Watauga River At Elizabethton | 1,330 cfs |
| South Fork New River Near Jefferson | 188 cfs |
| Elk Creek At Elkville | 27 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Watauga River Near Sugar Grove. 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 |
|---|---|
| Beech Mountain | 0 in |
| Flat Springs 1.2 E | 0 in |
| Flat Springs 1e | 0 in |
| Banner Elk | 0 in |
| Vilas 6.3 Nnw | 0 in |
| Boone 1se | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Watauga River Near Sugar Grove.
Boat launches
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River runs
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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 Watauga River Near Sugar Grove in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Watauga River Near Sugar Grove crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Watauga River Near Sugar Grove
Where does the streamflow data for Watauga River Near Sugar Grove come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 03479000. 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 Watauga River Near Sugar Grove 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 Watauga River Near Sugar Grove report
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