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Swannanoa River below Hendersonville Rd (NC 81), in Biltmore Village (2 S Asheville)

National Weather Service gauge BLTN7 · North Carolina · Buncombe County · 35.5683, -82.5447 · USGS 03451000

Flood levels

Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 9.0 ft; minor flooding begins at 10.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 14.5 ft; major flooding begins at 16.5 ft.

Action stage9.0 ft
Minor flooding10.0 ft
Moderate flooding14.5 ft
Major flooding16.5 ft

Highest recorded crests

What the water does

National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.

9.0 ftAction Stage. The Swannanoa River has exceeded its banks and is beginning to flood adjacent low-lying areas. The Swannanoa River may be causing backwater effects on Sweeten Creek and Ram Branch, forcing both streams to exceed their banks and flood adjacent low-lying areas.
10.0 ftMinor Flood Stage. Backwater effects from the Swannanoa River may be causing flooding along Sweeten Creek forcing floodwaters onto Garfield St. Swannanoa River floodwaters are approaching and may be flooding parts of Swannanoa River Rd. (NC 81), Caledonia Rd., Glendale Ave., and Thompson St.
11.5 ftMinor Flooding continues. Swannanoa River and Sweeten Creek floodwaters are approaching buildings on Garfield St. and Decatur St. and initial flooding of these structures may be imminent.
12.0 ftMinor Flooding continues. Swannanoa River and Sweeten Creek floodwaters may be flooding the lowest floor of buildings on Garfield St. and Decatur St. The Swannanoa River is likely flooding parts of Swannanoa River Rd. (NC 81) between Biltmore Ave. and Caledonia Rd.
14.5 ftModerate Flood Stage. Sweeten Creek may be flooding portions of Sweeten Creek Rd. between Biltmore Village and I-40. Flooding of parts of Biltmore Village is likely. Swannanoa River floodwaters are impacting roads and buildings between the river and the railroad tracks.
15.0 ftModerate Flooding continues. Sweeten Creek Rd. and Brook St. flooding continues between Biltmore Ave. and I-40. Several inches of floodwaters are likely inundating Decatur St., Garfield St., portions of Thompson St., and the first floors of adjacent buildings. Flooding of land, roadways, and buildings between the Swannanoa River and Brook St.-Fairview Rd. is likely.
16.5 ftMajor Flood Stage. Floodwaters are likely inundating Biltmore Ave. north and south of the Swannanoa River bridge. Significant flooding of adjacent land, roadways, railroads, and buildings between Sweeten Creek Rd. and the Swannanoa River is likely.
19.0 ftMajor Flooding continues. Significant flooding around Biltmore Village continues including Brook St., Lodge St., Swan St., Angle St., and Boston Way. Floodwater levels are similar to those which occurred during Hurricane Frances in early September 2004.
21.0 ftMajor Flooding continues. Devastating flooding of the Swannanoa River Valley is likely. Biltmore Village and surrounding areas in the Swannanoa River Valley are experiencing the worst flooding since measurements began in 1920.
26.0 ftEstimated historical record flood stage. According to Tennessee Valley Authority historical research, the river reached similar levels in April of 1791. Note, however, that this record cannot be directly compared to more rigorous and accurate streamgauge measurements taken during the USGS period of record. Regardless, catastrophic flooding of the Swannanoa River Valley is ongoing with ruinous flooding impacting most structures within the flood plain.

Forecast office: NWS Greer · River Forecast Center: Lower Mississippi River Forecast Center.

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