Major Flood
19 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 ft
Action Stage
7 ft
What Floods at Each Level
26 ft
Record Flood Stage. Historic flooding is imminent across the S Toe River valley with floodwater levels similar to those during Tropical Cyclone Helene in 2024. Extensive, ruinous flooding is underway with numerous structures within the valley nearly submerged. The former Celo Inn is experiencing first-floor inundation approching 8'. Floodwaters exceeding 10' are impacting several roadways, including NC 80, Hannah Branch Rd, Seven Mile Ridge Rd, McDowell Ridge Rd, Halls Chapel Rd, and Blue Rock Rd.
19 ft
Major Flood Stage. Extremely rare and catastrophic flooding of the S Toe River is developing with disastrous impacts to property. Floodwaters are entering the first-floor of the former Celo Inn with imminent, ruinous flooding greater than 1' deep of several homes. Adjacent campgrounds and mobile home/RV parks may be experiencing devastating flooding greater than 4' deep, causing severe damage. Travel may be severely restricted with roadway inundation exceeding 3-4', stranding several residents.
13 ft
Moderate Flood Stage. Unusual, damaging flooding is developing adjacent to the S Toe River with considerable impacts to property and travel. Significant flooding reaching 4-6' deep is imminent for low-lying areas and crossings. Adjacent campgrounds may be experiencing dangerous inundation up to 2-4 ft deep, capable of moving RVs and other vehicles. Secondary roads, outbuildings, and crawl spaces/basements may be experiencing flooding reaching 2-4' deep. Some homes and businesses may be stranded.
10 ft
Minor flooding continues. S Toe River floodwaters are approaching the road surface on the Seven Mile Ridge Rd bridge. Closure is likely imminent.
9 ft
Minor Flood Stage. Common, deeper flooding of low-lying areas adjacent to the S Toe River is developing with lesser impacts to vulnerable property. More significant floodwaters are beginning to impact low-lying areas with inundation ~2-4 ft deep. Low-water crossings may be inundated with up to 2-3 ft of floodwaters. Adjacent campgrounds, secondary roads, and outbuildings may be experiencing flooding up to 1-2 ft deep. Flooding less than 1 ft deep may begin impacting primary roads, including NC 80.
8 ft
Action/Advisory Stage flooding continues. Floodwaters are likely beginning to impact secondary roads adjacent to the S Toe River, including Hannah Branch Rd, Seven Mile Ridge Rd, and Halls Chapel Rd.
7 ft
Action/Advisory Stage. Common, nuisance flooding of low-lying areas adjacent to S Toe River is beginning. Floodwaters are beginning to impact farmland, woodlands, nurseries, parks, athletic fields, golf courses, greenways, and boat-access areas with up to 2 feet of inundation. Low-water crossings may be inundated with up to 2 feet of floodwater and become impassible. Adjacent campgrounds, including the S Toe River Campground, and secondary roads may experience floodwater inundation of up to 1 foot
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 | 26.06 ft | 70,600 cfs |
| Nov 5, 1977 | 17.41 ft | 32,900 cfs |
| Sep 7, 2004 | 15.5 ft | 28,000 cfs |
About This Gauge
Get Flood Alerts for S Toe 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 S Toe River below Whiteoak Ck, 2 SSE Celo?
The S Toe River below Whiteoak Ck, 2 SSE Celo gauge is maintained by USGS (site 03463300) 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 S Toe River below Whiteoak Ck, 2 SSE Celo?
The NWS-defined flood stage for S Toe River below Whiteoak Ck, 2 SSE Celo is 9 feet. Action stage begins at 7 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 13 feet, and major flooding at 19 feet.
How do I get alerts when S Toe River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add S Toe River below Whiteoak Ck, 2 SSE Celo 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 S Toe River below Whiteoak Ck, 2 SSE Celo gauge located?
The gauge is located in Yancey County, North Carolina at coordinates 35.8314°N, 82.1842°W. USGS site number: 03463300. 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