Major Flood
110 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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This is an NWS forecast point (LID: BRWN7). Live data may be limited. View on NWS AHPS →
FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
105 ft
Minor Flood
102 ft
Action Stage
101 ft
What Floods at Each Level
110 ft
Major Flood Stage. Extremely rare and catastrophic flooding of Lake James is developing with disastrous impacts to property. Campgrounds may be experiencing devastating flooding greater than 4 ft deep, causing severe damage. Basements and crawl spaces may be completely submerged. First-floor building elevations may be experiencing ruinous flooding greater than 1 ft deep. Homes and businesses near the lake may be stranded.
105.01 ft
...impacts continued from the 105.0 foot statement...Floodwaters reaching depths of 4-6 feet are impacting yards, docks, and lake-access areas. Campgrounds may be experiencing dangerous inundation up to 2-4 ft deep, capable of moving RVs and other vehicles. Flooding less than 1 ft deep may begin for first-floor building elevations. Some homes and businesses may be stranded.
105 ft
Moderate Flood Stage. Unusual, damaging flooding is developing adjacent to Lake James with considerable impacts to property. Lake James Landing, Marion Moose Campground, Lake James Getaways at Island Cir and Houseboat Ln, and Linville Shores Campground are all experiencing significant flooding with inundation of 2-4 feet likely. Impacts continued in the 105.01 statement...
103 ft
Minor Flooding continues. Common, deeper flooding of low-lying areas adjacent to Lake James is ongoing with increasing impacts to vulnerable property. Floodwater inundation of 1-2 feet is impacting the Marion Moose Campground, the Lake James Landing community, and possibly residences along Island Cir and Houseboat Ln within the Lake James Getaways community.
102 ft
Minor Flood Stage. Common, deeper flooding of low-lying areas adjacent to Lake James is developing with lesser impacts to vulnerable property. Lake James may be flooding yards, docks, and lake-access areas with up to 2-4 feet of inundation. Campgrounds along the Lake James shoreline may experience floodwater inundation of up to 1-2 feet. Low-lying campers may need to be relocated to prevent more significant damage. FLS needed.
101 ft
Action/Advisory Stage. Common, nuisance flooding of low-lying areas adjacent to Lake James is underway. Lake James is approaching homes and other structures along Island Cir, Moose Campground Rd, and Houseboat Ln. Floodwaters may begin entering Linville Shores Campground. Lake James may be flooding lake-access areas with up to 2 feet of inundation. Campgrounds along the Lake James shoreline may experience floodwater inundation of up to 1 foot.
100 ft
Full pool.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 26, 2024 | 110.7 ft | 80,000 cfs |
| Sep 8, 2004 | 107.36 ft | — |
| May 6, 2013 | 104.04 ft | — |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
BRWN7
River
Catawba River
County
Burke, NC
Coordinates
35.7427°N, 81.8362°W
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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 Catawba River at Lake James/Linville Dam?
The Catawba River at Lake James/Linville Dam gauge is maintained by USGS 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 Catawba River at Lake James/Linville Dam?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Catawba River at Lake James/Linville Dam is 102 feet. Action stage begins at 101 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 105 feet, and major flooding at 110 feet.
How do I get alerts when Catawba River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Catawba River at Lake James/Linville Dam 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 Catawba River at Lake James/Linville Dam gauge located?
The gauge is located in Burke County, North Carolina at coordinates 35.7427°N, 81.8362°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
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Source & Notes
- Gauge reading affected by reservoir operations.