TUCKASEGEE RIVER

TUCKASEGEE RIVER

River Levels Streamgages Weather


Total streamflow across the Tuckasegee River was last observed at 2,605 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 5,167 acre-ft of water today; about 122% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 2,144 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 1,690 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 4.83 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.

July 26, 2024

°F

°F

mph

Windspeed

%

Humidity

Last Updated 2024-07-26
Discharge Volume 5,167 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 2,605.0 cfs
+965.0 cfs (+58.84%)
Percent of Normal 121.52%
Maximum 43,830.0 cfs
2022-05-27
Seasonal Avg 2,144 cfs
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Tuckasegee River At Sr 1172 Nr Cullowhee
USGS 03508050
269 cfs 4.83 ft 59.17
Tuckasegee River At Barker's Creek
USGS 03510577
646 cfs 4.05 ft 8.57
Tuckasegee River At Bryson City
USGS 03513000
1690 cfs 2.91 ft 92.92

Regional Streamflow

4290

Cubic Feet Per Second

496

Cubic Feet Per Second

15

Cubic Feet Per Second

572

Cubic Feet Per Second

Explore the Interactive Map

View recreational hotspots like fishing, camping, and parks, alongside climate-related data such as river levels, snowpack, and weather forecasts. Enjoy 3D mapping for an immersive experience, and switch to satellite view for a detailed look at your favorite spots. Simply click, explore, and discover nature like never before!

Historical River Levels

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.



5-Day Weather Forecast

16-Day Weather Forecast