Major Flood
28 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
23 ft
Minor Flood
18 ft
Action Stage
16 ft
What Floods at Each Level
28 ft
Major flooding begins along the creek upstream and downstream from the gage on Old Georgia Highway 5. The water level of the creek reaches the bottom of the bridge and county officals may close it. Flood waters from 1 to 4 feet deep begin to affect portions of a materials supply company and a trucking company off of East Cherokee Drive downstream and on the right bank from the bridge.
26 ft
Significant flooding expands further along the creek in the woodlands upstream and downstream from the gage on Old Georgia Highway 5. Flood waters a foot or two deep affect portions of the property surrounding a materials supply company and a trucking company off of East Cherokee Drive downstream and on the right bank from the bridge.
25 ft
Significant flooding continues along the creek in the woodlands upstream and downstream from the gage on Old Georgia Highway 5. Flood waters begin to flood portions of the property surrounding a materials supply company and a trucking company off of East Cherokee Drive downstream and on the right bank from the bridge.
23 ft
Moderate flooding begins. Significant flooding occurs along the creek in the woodlands upstream and downstream from the gage on Old Georgia Highway 5. Flood waters reach the property boundaries of a materials supply company and a trucking company off of East Cherokee Drive downstream and on the right bank from the bridge.
22 ft
Minor flooding expands further into the woodlands along the creek upstream and downstream from the gage on Old Georgia Highway 5.
20 ft
Minor flooding continues along the creek in the woodlands upstream and downstream from the gage on Old Georgia Highway 5.
18 ft
Flood stage is reached. Minor flooding begins along the creek in the woodlands upstream and downstream from the gage on Old Georgia Highway 5.
16 ft
Bankfull conditions are reached along the creek in the woodlands upstream and downstream from the gage on Old Georgia Highway 5.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 13, 2025 | 18.67 ft | 1,687 cfs |
| Sep 21, 2009 | 18 ft | 1,490 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
BALG1
River
Sharp Mountain Creek
County
Cherokee, GA
Coordinates
34.3106°N, 84.4033°W
Get Flood Alerts for Sharp Mountain Creek
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 Sharp Mountain Creek at Old GA 5 below Ball Ground?
The Sharp Mountain Creek at Old GA 5 below Ball Ground gauge is maintained by USGS (site 02391540) 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 Sharp Mountain Creek at Old GA 5 below Ball Ground?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Sharp Mountain Creek at Old GA 5 below Ball Ground is 18 feet. Action stage begins at 16 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 23 feet, and major flooding at 28 feet.
How do I get alerts when Sharp Mountain Creek rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Sharp Mountain Creek at Old GA 5 below Ball Ground to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category.
Where is the Sharp Mountain Creek at Old GA 5 below Ball Ground gauge located?
The gauge is located in Cherokee County, Georgia at coordinates 34.3106°N, 84.4033°W. USGS site number: 02391540. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- Automated gauge readings are now available, courtesy of the USGS.