TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE
Total streamflow across the
Chattooga River
was last observed at
450
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
893
acre-ft of water today; about 27%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
1,690 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2020-04-14 when daily discharge volume was observed at
29,640 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Chattooga River Near Clayton
reporting a streamflow rate of 450 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
Chattooga River Above Gaylesville Al
with a gauge stage of 4.45 ft.
This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Chattooga River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,165 ft, the
Chattooga River Near Clayton.
The Chattooga River is a 57-mile-long river that flows through Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. It is known for its whitewater rapids and scenic beauty, as well as its role in several movies, including "Deliverance." The river is fed by numerous small streams and is regulated by several reservoirs and dams, including the Tugalo Dam, which creates Lake Tugalo, and the Chattooga Dam, which creates Lake Chattooga. These reservoirs are used for hydropower, flood control, and recreation. The Chattooga River is also used for fishing, swimming, and other recreational activities, and it provides water for irrigation and other agricultural uses. The river has a rich history, dating back to the Native American tribes who once lived along its banks, and it has been designated a National Wild and Scenic River for its unique natural and cultural features.
| Last Updated | 2024-12-21 |
| Discharge Volume | 893 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
450.0 cfs
-28.0 cfs (-5.86%) |
| Percent of Normal | 26.63% |
| Maximum |
29,640.0 cfs
2020-04-14 |
| Seasonal Avg | 1,690 cfs |
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chattooga River Near Clayton
USGS 02177000 |
450 cfs | 1.64 ft | -5.86 | |||||
|
Chattooga River At Summerville
USGS 02398000 |
158 cfs | 2.56 ft | -11.73 | |||||
|
Chattooga River Above Gaylesville Al
USGS 02398300 |
288 cfs | 4.45 ft | -11.38 |
History of the River
The Chattooga River (also spelled Chatooga, Chatuga, and Chautaga, variant name Guinekelokee River) is the main tributary of the Tugaloo River. Its headwaters are located southwest of Cashiers, North Carolina, and it stretches 57 miles (92 km) to where it has its confluence with the Tallulah River within Lake Tugalo, held back by the Tugalo Dam. The Chattooga and the Tallulah combine to make the Tugaloo River starting at the outlet of Lake Tugalo. The Chattooga begins in southern Jackson County, North Carolina, then flows southwestward between northwestern Oconee County, South Carolina, and eastern Rabun County, Georgia. The "Chattooga" spelling was approved by the US Board on Geographic Names in 1897.The Chattooga River flows into Tugalo Lake where it joins the Tallulah River. After flowing through Tugalo Dam the combined rivers become the Tugaloo River which, along with the Seneca River, becomes the Savannah River below Lake Hartwell. Downstream from that point, the water flows into the Atlantic Ocean near Savannah, Georgia. The Chattooga was used as a setting for the fictional Cahulawassee River in the book and film Deliverance.