Catawba River at Lake Norman/Cowans Ford Dam
North Carolina — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina on the Catawba River. Live water level data from USGS, updated every 15 minutes.
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: CWAN7). Live data may be limited. View on NWS AHPS →
Flood Stages
Major Flood
110 ft
Moderate Flood
105 ft
Minor Flood
102 ft
Action Stage
100 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
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 8, 2004 | 100.93 ft | — |
| Sep 8, 2004 | 100.93 ft | — |
| Aug 18, 1994 | 100.5 ft | — |
| Oct 1, 1988 | 100.5 ft | — |
| Oct 22, 1990 | 100.5 ft | — |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
CWAN7
River
Catawba River
County
Mecklenburg, NC
Coordinates
35.4347°N, 80.9583°W
Get Flood Alerts for Catawba 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 Catawba River at Lake Norman/Cowans Ford Dam?
The Catawba River at Lake Norman/Cowans Ford 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 Norman/Cowans Ford Dam?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Catawba River at Lake Norman/Cowans Ford Dam is 102 feet. Action stage begins at 100 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 Norman/Cowans Ford Dam 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 Catawba River at Lake Norman/Cowans Ford Dam gauge located?
The gauge is located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina at coordinates 35.4347°N, 80.9583°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.