TUCKASEGEE RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-20
Discharge Volume 3,628 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 1,829.0 cfs
+147.0 cfs (+8.74%)
Percent of Normal 98.26%
Maximum 43,830.0 cfs
2022-05-27
Seasonal Avg 1,861 cfs

Total streamflow across the Tuckasegee River was last observed at 1,829 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 3,628 acre-ft of water today; about 98% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,861 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2022-05-27 when daily discharge volume was observed at 43,830 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Tuckasegee River At Bryson City reporting a streamflow rate of 1,050 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Tuckasegee River At Sr 1172 Nr Cullowhee with a gauge stage of 5.14 ft. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Tuckasegee River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 2,116 ft, the Tuckasegee River At Sr 1172 Nr Cullowhee.

The Tuckasegee River is an important natural resource in western North Carolina, stretching 50 miles from its headwaters in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to its confluence with the Little Tennessee River. Historically, the river played a significant role in Cherokee culture and served as a source of food and transportation for early settlers. Today, the river supports a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, kayaking, and tubing. The river's hydrology is impacted by several large reservoirs, including Lake Glenville, Bear Creek Lake, and Fontana Lake, which was created by the Fontana Dam, the tallest dam east of the Rocky Mountains. These reservoirs provide hydroelectric power, flood control, and water supply for residents and industries in the region. Additionally, the Tuckasegee River Valley is home to several farms and vineyards, which benefit from the river's fertile soils and abundant water supply.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Tuckasegee River At Sr 1172 Nr Cullowhee
USGS 03508050
368 cfs 5.14 ft 5.03
Tuckasegee River At Barker's Creek
USGS 03510577
601 cfs 3.98 ft 13.81
Tuckasegee River At Bryson City
USGS 03513000
1050 cfs 2.38 ft 7.22
History of the River

The Tuckasegee River (variant spellings include Tuckaseegee and Tuckaseigee) flows entirely within western North Carolina. It begins its course in Jackson County above Cullowhee at the confluence of Panthertown and Greenland creeks. It flows in a northwesterly direction into Swain County where it joins the Oconaluftee before heading through the center of Bryson City, North Carolina. The river passes around the Bryson City Island Park, where it then enters Fontana Lake and then the Little Tennessee River.
The name Tuckasegee may be an anglicisation of the Cherokee language word daksiyi—[takhšiyi] in the local Cherokee variety—'Turtle Place.' The river is dotted with stone fishing weirs built by Native Americans; this practice may have preceded the Cherokee in the area. The weirs are most easily viewed when water levels are low.Fishing, hiking and paddling are among the recreational opportunities along the river.

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Watershed River Levels

171

Cubic Feet Per Second

38

Cubic Feet Per Second

482

Cubic Feet Per Second

186

Cubic Feet Per Second