Total streamflow across the
Tuckasegee River
was last observed at
1,947
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
3,862
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
4,970 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 1,060 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 5.06 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.
Last Updated | 2024-12-25 |
Discharge Volume | 3,862 ACRE-FT |
Streamflow |
1,947.0 cfs
-49.0 cfs (-2.45%) |
Percent of Normal | 39.18% |
Maximum |
43,830.0 cfs
2022-05-27 |
Seasonal Avg | 4,970 cfs |
Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tuckasegee River At Sr 1172 Nr Cullowhee
USGS 03508050 |
340 cfs | 5.06 ft | -0.87 | |||||
Tuckasegee River At Barker's Creek
USGS 03510577 |
547 cfs | 3.89 ft | -1.08 | |||||
Tuckasegee River At Bryson City
USGS 03513000 |
1060 cfs | 2.39 ft | -3.64 |
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.