Watauga River

Streamflow Hydrology Weather


Watauga River Levels

April 24 2024

3,874 ACRE-FT

Discharge Volume Today
-96.0 cfs (-4.69%) since yesterday
134.76% of Normal 2 Streamgauges

Total streamflow across the Watauga River was last observed at 1,953 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 3,874 acre-ft of water today; about 135% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,449 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2020-02-06 when daily discharge volume was observed at 12,870 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Watauga River At Elizabethton reporting a streamflow rate of 1,730 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Watauga River, with a gauge stage of 4.67 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Watauga River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 2,613 ft, the Watauga River Near Sugar Grove.

Last Updated 2024-04-23
Streamflow 1,953.0 cfs
Percent of Normal 134.76%
Maximum 12,870.0 cfs
2020-02-06

About the watauga river


The Watauga River is a tributary of the Tennessee River that runs for approximately 78 miles through North Carolina and Tennessee. The river was historically used by Native American tribes as a source of food and transportation. Today, it is a popular spot for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and rafting. The river's hydrology is affected by several reservoirs and dams, including the Watauga Dam, which was constructed in the early 1940s for hydroelectric power generation and flood control. The reservoir behind the dam, known as Watauga Lake, is a popular spot for boating and fishing. The river is also used for irrigation in agricultural areas along its banks.

Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Watauga River Near Sugar Grove
USGS 03479000
206 cfs 2.2 ft -13.9
Watauga River At Elizabethton
USGS 03486000
1730 cfs 4.67 ft -3.35

Peak Annual Discharge

Watauga River Maximum Total Discharge

Seasonal Comparison

Watauga River Year Over Year Discharge


Log Your Visit

When was your last visit to ?

Add a Photo

How was it? How were conditions?

Rate the


Submit

Leave A Review


Submit

Upload an Image


Favorite Limit Reached