Chattahoochee River at Lake Sidney Lanier near Buford
Georgia — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Forsyth County, Georgia on the Chattahoochee River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 02334400, updated every 15 minutes.
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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Flood Stages
Minor Flood
1085 ft
Action Stage
1071 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Low-Water Impacts
450-500 cfs
Flow level of 450 cfs required from Buford Dam plus additional flows from tributaries between Buford Dam and Peachtree Creek should achieve the required flow of 750 cfs on the Chattahoochee River near the merger of Peachtree Creek.
500-538 cfs
The stretch of the river from Buford Dam to Georgia Highway 20 is barely runnable.
538-650 cfs
Buford Trout Hatchery water intake still operable when instantaneous flow is in this range.
650-750 cfs
Temporary reduction in minimum flow requirement. Permitted from Nov 14, 2008 through April 30, 2009. Flow reduction can occur during the cooler time of the year without adversely affecting water quality.
750-850 cfs
Standard minimum flow requirement for operations at Buford Dam.
850-1000 cfs
Minimum flow to paddle the 56.2 miles from Buford Dam to Sweetwater Creek (Metro Hooch). Class I to II.
1000-1500 cfs
Advantageous for recreational opportunities and resources supported by the river as it flows through the Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area (from Buford Dam to Peachtree Creek).
1500-2000 cfs
Habitat values for trout peak at river flows less than 2,000 cfs.
2000-12000
Habitat values for trout decline at river flow increases from 2,000 cfs to 12,000 cfs.
3800 cfs
Normal, 1 large unit operating-outflow 3,800cfs
8000 cfs
Normal, 2 large units operating-outflow 8,000cfs.
8200 cfs
Normal, 3 units operating-outflow 8,200cfs.
What happens as water levels drop, per the National Weather Service.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 13, 1964 | 1077.15 ft | — |
| Apr 13, 1964 | 1077.15 ft | — |
| Apr 4, 1977 | 1076.2 ft | — |
| Apr 4, 1977 | 1076.2 ft | — |
| Feb 24, 2019 | 1076.16 ft | — |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
CMMG1
River
Chattahoochee River
County
Forsyth, GA
Coordinates
34.1626°N, 84.0755°W
Get Flood Alerts for Chattahoochee River
StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Chattahoochee River at Lake Sidney Lanier near Buford?
The Chattahoochee River at Lake Sidney Lanier near Buford gauge is maintained by USGS (site 02334400) and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Chattahoochee River at Lake Sidney Lanier near Buford?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Chattahoochee River at Lake Sidney Lanier near Buford is 1085 feet. Action stage begins at 1071 feet. Moderate flooding starts at N/A feet, and major flooding at N/A feet.
How do I get alerts when Chattahoochee River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Chattahoochee River at Lake Sidney Lanier near Buford to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category — even when your screen is off.
Where is the Chattahoochee River at Lake Sidney Lanier near Buford gauge located?
The gauge is located in Forsyth County, Georgia at coordinates 34.1626°N, 84.0755°W. USGS site number: 02334400. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Automated gauge readings are now available, courtesy of the USGS.
- Gauge reading affected by reservoir operations.