Hiwassee River River Levels

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the reporting a streamflow rate of cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Hiwassee River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Hiwassee River, the highest being situated at an altitude of ft, the .

Historically, the Hiwassee River was important to the Cherokee people who used it for transportation and fishing. Today, the river is used for recreational purposes including fishing, kayaking, and rafting. The river is also used for irrigation for local agriculture. Several dams and reservoirs, such as the Chatuge Dam and Reservoir and the Hiwassee Dam and Reservoir, have been built along the river for hydroelectric power and flood control purposes. The Hiwassee Dam, built in 1940, is the tallest overspill dam in the world at 307 feet tall. The river's hydrology is influenced by the Appalachian Mountains and has a diverse range of aquatic species.