Major Flood
18 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
13 ft
Minor Flood
9.5 ft
Action Stage
6.5 ft
What Floods at Each Level
23.1 ft
Record Flood Stage. This is the highest stage observed for the French Broad River at Asheville since measurements began in October 1895. Devastating flooding of adjacent areas of the French Broad River Valley is likely.
19 ft
Major Flooding continues. Devastating impacts are likely ongoing from Woodfin to I-240 and Carrier Park. Floodwaters are likely impacting residences as well as businesses on the left bank of the river while significant right-bank inundation continues and worsens.
18 ft
Major Flood Stage. Significant flooding is ongoing along the French Broad River from Carrier Park to Woodfin. Most buildings within the floodplain in this area are likely experiencing significant lower-level inundation. Roadways adjacent to the river including Riverside Dr., Lyman St., Craven Dr., Riverview Dr., and Emma Rd. are likely impassable.
15 ft
Moderate Flooding continues. Significant flooding of commercial and industrial buildings along Riverside Dr. is ongoing. Floodwaters are beginning to impact commercial and industrial buildings along Lyman St. and between Lyman St. and Depot St. Floodwaters have reached levels similar to those that occurred during Hurricane Frances in early September, 2004.
13 ft
Moderate Flood Stage. French Broad River floodwaters may be inundating the ground floor of industrial and commercial buildings between the river and I-26, especially south of Pearson Bridge Rd.
12 ft
Minor Flooding continues. French Broad River floodwaters are impacting industrial and commercial property between Woodfin and Pearson Bridge Rd. as well as along Riverside Dr. Floodwaters may begin to enter adjacent industrial and commercial structures and buildings.
10.5 ft
Minor Flooding continues. French Broad River floodwaters may be approaching industrial buildings on the right bank between Woodfin and Pearson Bridge Rd. Floodwaters may also be approaching industrial buildings between Haywood Rd. and Amboy Rd.
9.5 ft
Minor Flood Stage. The French Broad River is flooding areas between Riverside Dr., and Lyman St. on the right bank and Riverview Dr., Craven St. and Emma Rd. on the left bank, including railroad and industrial property. Parts of Emma Rd. between Pearson Bridge Rd. and Craven St. may be flooding.
8 ft
Action stage flooding continues. The French Broad River is beginning to flood low-lying areas near Pearson Bridge Rd. and may be approaching industrial property.
7.5 ft
Action stage flooding continues. French Broad River floodwaters continue to flood Woodfin Riverside Park, the floodplain adjacent to Craggy Dam Reservoir, Carrier Park, and French Broad River Park as well as other low-lying areas within the flood plain. Floodwaters may be approaching Amboy Rd. and Lyman St. Local small tributaries including Smith Mill Creek near Emma Rd. may be exceeding bankfull levels.
6.5 ft
Action Stage. The French Broad River is exceeding its banks and beginning to flood low-lying areas, including the Woodfin Riverside Park, the floodplain adjacent to Craggy Dam Reservoir, Carrier Park, and French Broad River Park.
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 27, 2024 | 24.82 ft | 113,000 cfs |
| Jul 15, 1916 | 23.1 ft | 110,000 cfs |
| May 31, 1976 | 18 ft | — |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
AVLN7
River
French Broad River
County
Buncombe, NC
Coordinates
35.6089°N, 82.5781°W
Get Flood Alerts for French Broad 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 French Broad River at Pearson Bridge Rd, 2 NW Asheville?
The French Broad River at Pearson Bridge Rd, 2 NW Asheville gauge is maintained by USGS (site 03451500) 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 French Broad River at Pearson Bridge Rd, 2 NW Asheville?
The NWS-defined flood stage for French Broad River at Pearson Bridge Rd, 2 NW Asheville is 9.5 feet. Action stage begins at 6.5 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 13 feet, and major flooding at 18 feet.
How do I get alerts when French Broad River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add French Broad River at Pearson Bridge Rd, 2 NW Asheville 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 French Broad River at Pearson Bridge Rd, 2 NW Asheville gauge located?
The gauge is located in Buncombe County, North Carolina at coordinates 35.6089°N, 82.5781°W. USGS site number: 03451500. 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
- River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 24 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.