2026-03-12T21:00:00-06:00
The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 11 AM to 8 PM MDT Friday. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch for wind and low relative humidity is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday evening. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248 and 249. * TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, until 9 PM MDT this evening. For the second Red Flag Warning, from 11 AM to 8 PM MDT Friday. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Saturday morning through Saturday evening. * WINDS...On Thursday, west 30 to 60 mph with gusts up to 90 mph, strongest winds near the Cheyenne Ridge. On Friday, west winds 25 to 35 with gusts around 35 to 50 mph. On Saturday, west winds 25 to 35 with gusts around 40 to 60 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.
Summary
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the reporting a streamflow rate of cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Cartecay River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Cartecay River, the highest being situated at an altitude of ft, the .
15-Day Weather Outlook
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cartecay River Near Ellijay
USGS 02379500 |
217 cfs | 1.9 ft | 2.84 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
The Cartecay River is a 19.1-mile-long (30.7 km) river that runs through Ellijay, Georgia. It is the site of a class II whitewater run.
The Cartecay and Ellijay rivers meet in Ellijay to form the Coosawattee River. The Cartecay and most of its watershed are located within the southeast corner of Gilmer County, Georgia, but there are small sections of the watershed in Fannin, Pickens, and Dawson counties.
Much of the river runs east to west near or along Georgia State Route 52. The Cartecay River basin covers 86,734 acres (351.0 km2) in total area. The major tributaries are Clear Creek, Licklog Creek, Owltown Creek, Anderson Creek and Tickanetley Creek. The land is mostly undeveloped, but the river does pass through residential developments. The headwaters of the Cartecay River begin in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
The Cartecay River is a recreational river for kayaking, canoeing and tubing.