TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE
Total streamflow across the
Little Tennessee River
was last observed at
880
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
1,745
acre-ft of water today; about 56%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
1,575 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2015-12-25 when daily discharge volume was observed at
19,840 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Little Tennessee River At Needmore
reporting a streamflow rate of 635 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Little Tennessee River, with a gauge stage of
2.54 ft at this location.
This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Little Tennessee River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 2,012 ft, the
Little Tennessee River Near Prentiss.
The Little Tennessee River flows through the Appalachian Mountains and is approximately 135 miles long. Historically, it was an important trade route for Native Americans and European settlers. The river is home to several fish species, including the endangered Appalachian elktoe mussel. The river is dammed at several points including Fontana Dam, which creates Fontana Lake, and Cheoah Dam, which creates Cheoah Lake. These reservoirs are used for hydroelectric power generation and flood control. The Little Tennessee River is also a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The surrounding land is used for agriculture, including cattle farming and tobacco production.
| Last Updated | 2024-12-22 |
| Discharge Volume | 1,745 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
880.0 cfs
-63.0 cfs (-6.68%) |
| Percent of Normal | 55.87% |
| Maximum |
19,840.0 cfs
2015-12-25 |
| Seasonal Avg | 1,575 cfs |
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Little Tennessee River Near Prentiss
USGS 03500000 |
245 cfs | 1.98 ft | -7.89 | |||||
|
Little Tennessee River At Needmore
USGS 03503000 |
635 cfs | 2.54 ft | -6.2 |
History of the River
The Little Tennessee River is a 135-mile (217 km) tributary of the Tennessee River that flows through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, in the southeastern United States. It drains portions of three national forests— Chattahoochee, Nantahala, and Cherokee— and provides the southwestern boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The river flows through five major impoundments: Fontana Dam, Cheoah Dam, Calderwood Dam, Chilhowee Dam, and Tellico Dam, and one smaller impoundment, Porters Bend Dam.