S F Holston River Near Damascus flow report
As of July 15, 2026, S F Holston River Near Damascus is flowing at 318 cfs with a gage height of 3.10 ft, receding 20% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #03473000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
S F Holston River Near Damascus at a glance
How S F Holston River Near Damascus is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
S F Holston River Near Damascus is flowing at 318 cfs, with the water sitting 3.10 ft at the gage. Flow is down 20% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #03473000 in Virginia. Over the past 10 days the average has been 249 cfs, peaking at 581 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Virginia flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, S F Holston River Near Damascus is expected to recede from today's 318 cfs, toward roughly 286 cfs by 2026-07-19 (likely range 151-541 cfs) -- drier than normal for the date.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
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.
S F Holston River Near Damascus
The river's main constituents are precipitation and runoff from surrounding areas. There are no significant tributaries or dams affecting the streamgauge. Seasonal trends show higher flows in spring due to snowmelt and increased precipitation, and lower flows in summer and fall. The river is known for its trout fishing, and the surrounding area is popular for hiking and camping. The river is also famous for being part of the Appalachian Trail, which runs parallel to it for several miles.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check S F Holston River Near Damascus's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| S F Holston River Near Damascus | 318 cfs |
| M F Holston River Near Meadowview | 271 cfs |
| S F Holston River At Riverside Nr Chilhowie | 53 cfs |
| Beaver Creek At Bristol | 31 cfs |
| M F Holston River At Seven Mile Ford | 146 cfs |
| N F Holston River Near Saltville | 505 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near S F Holston River Near Damascus. 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 |
|---|---|
| Abingdon 3s | 0 in |
| Whitetop Coop | 0 in |
| Vilas 6.3 Nnw | 0 in |
| Flat Springs 1e | 0 in |
| Flat Springs 1.2 E | 0 in |
| Jefferson 2 E | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of S F Holston River Near Damascus.
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 S F Holston River Near Damascus in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when S F Holston River Near Damascus crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About S F Holston River Near Damascus
Where does the streamflow data for S F Holston River Near Damascus come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 03473000. 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 S F Holston River Near Damascus 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 S F Holston River Near Damascus report
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