Hiwassee River At Charleston flow report
As of July 13, 2026, Hiwassee River At Charleston is flowing at 10,400 cfs, receding 32% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #03566000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Hiwassee River At Charleston at a glance
How Hiwassee River At Charleston is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Hiwassee River At Charleston is flowing at 10,400 cfs, with the water sitting 17.91 ft at the gage. Flow is down 32% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #03566000 in Tennessee. Over the past 10 days the average has been 12,430 cfs, peaking at 21,100 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Tennessee flow report.
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.
Hiwassee River At Charleston
The flow is regulated by several dams along the river, including the Apalachia, Hiwassee, and Chatuge Dams. During the summer months, water levels can fluctuate due to a higher demand for hydroelectric power. Interestingly, the Hiwassee River is known for its large population of freshwater mussels, which can be harmed by changes in water flow and quality. Despite this, the river remains a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and rafting.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Hiwassee River At Charleston's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Hiwassee River At Charleston | 10,400 cfs |
| Oostanaula Creek Near Sanford | 28 cfs |
| Sewee Creek Near Decatur | 1,920 cfs |
| North Chickamauga Cr At Mile Straight | 0 cfs |
| North Chickamauga Creek Near Montlake | 0 cfs |
| Tellico River At Tellico Plains | 139 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Hiwassee River At Charleston. 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 |
|---|---|
| Kingston | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Hiwassee River At Charleston.
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 Hiwassee River At Charleston in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Hiwassee River At Charleston crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Hiwassee River At Charleston
Where does the streamflow data for Hiwassee River At Charleston come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 03566000. 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 Hiwassee River At Charleston 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 Hiwassee River At Charleston report
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