LUMBER RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
December 25, 2024
34.61, -79.00


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Lumber River was last observed at 1,400 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 2,777 acre-ft of water today; about 39% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 3,561 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2018-09-18 when daily discharge volume was observed at 53,950 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Lumber River At Boardman reporting a streamflow rate of 687 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Lumber River At Lumberton with a gauge stage of 9.28 ft. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Lumber River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 183 ft, the Lumber River Near Maxton.

The Lumber River is a 133-mile-long river located in southeastern North Carolina. It is historically significant as it was a major transportation route for the Lumbee Indian tribe and was also used for logging during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The river is also known for its unique hydrology, as it is one of the few blackwater rivers in the world, meaning that its water is darkly stained due to the presence of tannins. There are several reservoirs and dams located along the river, including the Blewett Falls Lake and the Lumber River State Park. These reservoirs provide a source of hydroelectric power and are also used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. Additionally, the river is a valuable resource for agriculture, as it provides water for irrigation and supports agricultural activities in the surrounding areas.

Last Updated 2024-12-25
Discharge Volume 2,777 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 1,400.0 cfs
-77.0 cfs (-5.21%)
Percent of Normal 39.32%
Maximum 53,950.0 cfs
2018-09-18
Seasonal Avg 3,561 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Lumber River Near Maxton
USGS 02133624
259 cfs 8.09 ft -3.72
Lumber River At Lumberton
USGS 02134170
454 cfs 9.28 ft -5.61
Lumber River At Boardman
USGS 02134500
687 cfs 4.79 ft -5.5
History of the River

The Lumber River is a 133-mile-long (214 km) river in south-central North Carolina in the flat Coastal Plain. European settlers first called the river Drowning Creek, which still is the name of its headwater. The waterway known as the Lumber River extends downstream from the Scotland County-Hoke County border to the North Carolina-South Carolina border. Soon after crossing into South Carolina, the Lumber River flows into the Little Pee River, which flows into the Pee Dee River, or Great Pee Dee River. Finally, the combined waters flow into Winyah Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
In 1989, the river was designated as a "Natural and Scenic River" by the North Carolina General Assembly. In addition, it is the only blackwater river in North Carolina to be designated as a National Wild and Scenic River by the Department of the Interior. In 2010, the Lumber River was voted one of North Carolina’s Ten Natural Wonders, the result of an on-line contest held by Land for Tomorrow, a coalition dedicated to supporting the preservation of North Carolina’s land and water resources.

       

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