MEHERRIN RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
December 17, 2024
36.54, -77.30


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Meherrin River was last observed at 516 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 1,023 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 1,919 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2018-10-15 when daily discharge volume was observed at 23,730 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Meherrin River At Emporia reporting a streamflow rate of 296 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Meherrin River, with a gauge stage of 3.92 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Meherrin River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 182 ft, the Meherrin River Near Lawrenceville.

The Meherrin River is a 92-mile long river that flows through the southeastern region of Virginia and northeastern region of North Carolina. It was named after the Native American tribe, the Meherrin, who lived in the area for thousands of years. The river is fed by several smaller tributaries, with the Chowan River being the largest. The Meherrin was once an important waterway for transportation and trade, with steamboats and barges traveling up and down the river. Today, there are several reservoirs and dams along the river, including the John H. Kerr Dam and Lake Gaston. These reservoirs provide hydroelectric power and drinking water to nearby communities. The Meherrin River is also an important source of recreation, with activities such as fishing, canoeing, and camping popular among locals and visitors. Additionally, the river is used for agriculture, with farmers utilizing its fertile floodplain for growing crops.

Last Updated 2024-12-17
Discharge Volume 1,023 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 516.0 cfs
-44.0 cfs (-7.86%)
Percent of Normal 26.89%
Maximum 23,730.0 cfs
2018-10-15
Seasonal Avg 1,919 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Meherrin River Near Lawrenceville
USGS 02051500
220 cfs 2.68 ft -2.22
Meherrin River At Emporia
USGS 02052000
296 cfs 3.92 ft -11.64
History of the River

The Meherrin River is a 92-mile (148 km) long river in the U.S. states of Virginia and North Carolina. It begins in central Virginia, about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Emporia, and flows roughly east-southeast into North Carolina, where it joins the larger Chowan River.
A twenty-foot-high dam on the river creates a reservoir in Emporia. For most of its length, the Meherrin is not large enough for commercial traffic. It widens somewhat between Murfreesboro, North Carolina and the Chowan. Prior to the American Civil War, this section of the river was a significant trading route for Northeastern North Carolina.
The river was named after the Meherrin Indians, whose territory was along it.

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