Oconaluftee River below Contesky Dr, in Birdtown
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 8.0 ft; minor flooding begins at 10.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 12.0 ft; major flooding begins at 13.0 ft.
| Action stage | 8.0 ft |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 10.0 ft |
| Moderate flooding | 12.0 ft |
| Major flooding | 13.0 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 18.0 ft on Nov 19, 1906 (historic crest)
- 14.5 ft on Mar 27, 1913 (historic crest)
- 12.5 ft on Dec 30, 1969 (historic crest)
- 12.3 ft on Mar 16, 1973 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 1.1 ft | 1.25 basin average in 5 hours in headwaters caused a 2.3 ft rise. |
|---|---|
| 2.5 ft | 2.5 to 3.0 basin avg in 8 hr in headwaters will cause a 6 ft rise on river. |
| 3.5 ft | 3.5 inch in headwaters in 12 hrs caused the river to rise from 1.83 ft to 7.71 ft |
| 8.0 ft | Flooding will be likely upstream along the Oconaluftee River in the Yellow Hill community especially along White Water Drive. |
| 9.0 ft | Water will approach the water treatment plant on Old Highway Number 4. Water will approach residential yards on Highway 19 between Adams Creek and McCoy Branch Rd. |
| 10.0 ft | Parts of Old Highway 4 near Keener Road may be flooded and buildings near Cline and Haiger Streets may start to get water in them. Floodwater levels will be similar to the levels that occurred on May 6, 2003. |
| 11.5 ft | Water approaches US 19 just west of Goose Creek Rd. |
| 12.0 ft | Some homes along the river near Cherokee and Birdtown may begin to flood. Parts of Highway 19A may also be covered with water. |
| 13.0 ft | Businesses and hotels in Birdtown and Cherokee may begin to flood. |
| 15.0 ft | Many buildings will likely be flooded in Birdtown between McCoy Branch Rd. and Adams Creek Rd. |
| 17.0 ft | Expect most stores, motels, and other businesses in Birdtown and Cherokee, as well as parts of Highways 19a and 441, to be flooded. |
| 18.0 ft | Record flooding will be observed. |
Forecast office: NWS Greer · River Forecast Center: Lower Mississippi River Forecast Center.
Oconaluftee River below Contesky Dr, in Birdtown in your pocket
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Nearby stations and gauges
- Oconaluftee River at Bryson Dam (Lake Ela) NWS gauge · 1.6 mi
- Deep Creek (NC) at Deep Creek road near Bryson City NWS gauge · 4.8 mi
- Tuckasegee River below Everett St, in Bryson City NWS gauge · 5.8 mi
- Tuckasegee River at Barkers creek nr Dillsboro NWS gauge · 6.4 mi
- Soco Creek at Wolfetown Road NWS gauge · 6.6 mi
- Soco Creek at Wolfetown Rd (US 19), 5 E Cherokee NWS gauge · 6.6 mi