Obed River Near Lancing flow report
As of July 14, 2026, Obed River Near Lancing is flowing at 543 cfs with a gage height of 2.25 ft, receding 33% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #03539800, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Obed River Near Lancing at a glance
How Obed River Near Lancing is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Obed River Near Lancing is flowing at 543 cfs, with the water sitting 2.25 ft at the gage. Flow is down 33% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #03539800 in Tennessee. Over the past 10 days the average has been 464 cfs, peaking at 1,540 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.
Obed River Near Lancing
The river's flow is primarily supplied by rainfall and snowmelt in the surrounding forested hills, with occasional flow contributions from tributaries such as Flat Fork Creek and Daddys Creek. The presence of the Obed Wild and Scenic River and the Obed River Gorge, as well as the Obed Dam and Reservoir, further enhances the river's ecological and hydrological importance. The river's flow is generally highest during the wetter months of winter and spring, and lowest during the drier summer and fall months. Interestingly, the Obed River is home to several endangered species, including the Cumberland Elktoe mussel and the Snail Darter fish.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Obed River Near Lancing's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Obed River Near Lancing | 599 cfs |
| Clear Creek At Lilly Bridge Near Lancing | 204 cfs |
| Emory River At Oakdale | 1,200 cfs |
| Daddys Creek Near Hebbertsburg | 57 cfs |
| Clear Fork Near Robbins | 997 cfs |
| New River At New River | 436 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Obed River Near Lancing. 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 |
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 Obed River Near Lancing in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Obed River Near Lancing crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Obed River Near Lancing
Where does the streamflow data for Obed River Near Lancing come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 03539800. 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 Obed River Near Lancing 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 Obed River Near Lancing report
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