WACCAMAW RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
December 21, 2024
34.30, -78.49


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Waccamaw River was last observed at 55 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 109 acre-ft of water today; about 3% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,717 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2018-09-22 when daily discharge volume was observed at 126,300 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Waccamaw River At Conway Marina At Conway reporting a streamflow rate of 2,260 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Waccamaw River, with a gauge stage of 7.28 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Waccamaw River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 42 ft, the Waccamaw River At Conway Marina At Conway.

The Waccamaw River is a blackwater river that runs for 140 miles from North Carolina to South Carolina, eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The river's name comes from the Waccamaw Native American tribe, who once lived in the area. The river's hydrology is affected by tidal influence, with a saltwater wedge that extends upriver during high tide. The river is home to several reservoirs, including the Waccamaw, Conway, and Pee Dee reservoirs, which help to control flooding and provide water for municipal and agricultural use. The river is also a popular destination for recreational activities, such as boating, fishing, and kayaking. Agriculture, especially the production of rice, has played a significant role in the Waccamaw River's history and development.

Last Updated 2024-12-21
Discharge Volume 109 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 54.9 cfs
-3.9 cfs (-6.63%)
Percent of Normal 3.2%
Maximum 126,300.0 cfs
2018-09-22
Seasonal Avg 1,717 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Waccamaw River At Conway Marina At Conway
USGS 02110704
2260 cfs 7.28 ft -1.74
Waccamaw River Near Longs
USGS 02110500
55 cfs 1.36 ft -6.63
Waccamaw River At Freeland
USGS 02109500
41 cfs 2.38 ft 16.62
History of the River

The Waccamaw River is a river, approximately 140 miles (225 km) long, in southeastern North Carolina and eastern South Carolina in the United States. It drains an area of approximately 1110 square miles (2886 km²) in the coastal plain along the eastern border between the two states into the Atlantic Ocean. Along its upper course, it is a slow-moving, blackwater river surrounded by vast wetlands, passable only by shallow-draft watercraft such as canoe. Along its lower course, it is lined by sandy banks and old plantation houses, providing an important navigation channel with a unique geography, flowing roughly parallel to the coast.

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