Neuse River River Levels

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

The Neuse River is a major river in North Carolina that stretches for approximately 275 miles from its source in the Piedmont region to Pamlico Sound.


Summary

Total streamflow across the Neuse River was last observed at 1,801 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 3,573 acre-ft of water today; about 33% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 5,495 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2016-10-13 when daily discharge volume was observed at 76,303 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Neuse River At Kinston reporting a streamflow rate of 864 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Neuse River, with a gauge stage of 4.3 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the Neuse River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 212 ft, the Neuse River Near Falls.

River Details

Last Updated 2025-12-15
Discharge Volume 3,573 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 1,801.4 cfs
+9.4 cfs (+0.52%)
Percent of Normal 32.78%
Maximum 76,303.0 cfs
2016-10-13
Seasonal Avg 5,495 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Neuse River Near Falls
USGS 02087183
69 cfs 1.03 ft 2.06
Neuse River Near Clayton
USGS 02087500
262 cfs 1.33 ft 1.55
Neuse River Near Goldsboro
USGS 02089000
606 cfs 3.61 ft 0.66
Neuse River At Kinston
USGS 02089500
864 cfs 4.3 ft 0
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The Neuse River is a river rising in the Piedmont of North Carolina and emptying into Pamlico Sound below New Bern. Its total length is approximately 275 miles (443 km), making it the longest river entirely contained in North Carolina. The Trent River joins the Neuse at New Bern. Its drainage basin, measuring 5,630 square miles (14,600 km2) in area, also lies entirely inside North Carolina. It is formed by the confluence of the Flat and Eno rivers prior to entering the manmade, artificial Falls Lake reservoir in northern Wake County. Its fall line shoals, known as the Falls of the Neuse, lie submerged under the waters of Falls Lake.