Major Flood
13 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
12 ft
Minor Flood
10 ft
Action Stage
8 ft
What Floods at Each Level
18 ft
Record flooding will be observed.
17 ft
Expect most stores, motels, and other businesses in Birdtown and Cherokee, as well as parts of Highways 19a and 441, to be flooded.
15 ft
Many buildings will likely be flooded in Birdtown between McCoy Branch Rd. and Adams Creek Rd.
13 ft
Businesses and hotels in Birdtown and Cherokee may begin to flood.
12 ft
Some homes along the river near Cherokee and Birdtown may begin to flood. Parts of Highway 19A may also be covered with water.
11.5 ft
Water approaches US 19 just west of Goose Creek Rd.
10 ft
Parts of Old Highway 4 near Keener Road may be flooded and buildings near Cline and Haiger Streets may start to get water in them. Floodwater levels will be similar to the levels that occurred on May 6, 2003.
9 ft
Water will approach the water treatment plant on Old Highway Number 4. Water will approach residential yards on Highway 19 between Adams Creek and McCoy Branch Rd.
8 ft
Flooding will be likely upstream along the Oconaluftee River in the Yellow Hill community especially along White Water Drive.
3.5 ft
3.5 inch in headwaters in 12 hrs caused the river to rise from 1.83 ft to 7.71 ft
2.5 ft
2.5 to 3.0 basin avg in 8 hr in headwaters will cause a 6 ft rise on river.
1.1 ft
1.25 basin average in 5 hours in headwaters caused a 2.3 ft rise.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 18, 1906 | 18 ft | — |
| Mar 26, 1913 | 14.5 ft | — |
| Dec 29, 1969 | 12.46 ft | 15,900 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
BIRN7
River
Oconaluftee River
County
Swain, NC
Coordinates
35.4614°N, 83.3536°W
Get Flood Alerts for Oconaluftee 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 Oconaluftee River below Contesky Dr, in Birdtown?
The Oconaluftee River below Contesky Dr, in Birdtown gauge is maintained by USGS (site 03512000) 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 Oconaluftee River below Contesky Dr, in Birdtown?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Oconaluftee River below Contesky Dr, in Birdtown is 10 feet. Action stage begins at 8 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 12 feet, and major flooding at 13 feet.
How do I get alerts when Oconaluftee River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Oconaluftee River below Contesky Dr, in Birdtown 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 Oconaluftee River below Contesky Dr, in Birdtown gauge located?
The gauge is located in Swain County, North Carolina at coordinates 35.4614°N, 83.3536°W. USGS site number: 03512000. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Oconaluftee River
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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.