Ward Creek at Otway (in MLLW)
North Carolina — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Carteret County, North Carolina on the Ward Creek. 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: OTWN7). Live data may be limited. View on NWS AHPS →
Flood Stages
Major Flood
7.5 ft
Moderate Flood
5.5 ft
Minor Flood
4 ft
Action Stage
3.5 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
7.5 ft
Extensive and significant flooding throughout Otway and Bettie as well as other nearby areas of downeast Carteret County, with numerous homes and businesses flooded. Most, if not all, roadways will be impassable due to significant inundation, including portions of Highway 70 and most secondary roads.
5.5 ft
Widespread flooding throughout Otway and Bettie. Numerous residences and businesses will see flooding. Portions of Highway 70 will be inundated with water and may be impassable. Many secondary roads (including Gillikin and Harkers Island Roads) will be inundated and impassable. Coastal Carolina Campground will be inundated.
4 ft
Minor flooding in Otway and Bettie flooding docks and yards adjacent to the North River, Ward Creek and tributaries. Some minor inundation of secondary roadways around Otway. Portions of Crow Hill Road will flood.
3.5 ft
Very low lying areas adjacent to the North River, Ward Creek, and other tributaries will see minor flooding.
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 14, 2018 | 7.96 ft | — |
| Sep 14, 2018 | 7.96 ft | — |
| Sep 23, 2023 | 4.64 ft | — |
| Sep 23, 2023 | 4.64 ft | — |
| Jan 9, 2024 | 4.61 ft | — |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
OTWN7
River
Ward Creek
County
Carteret, NC
Coordinates
34.7808°N, 76.5740°W
Get Flood Alerts for Ward Creek
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 Ward Creek at Otway (in MLLW)?
The Ward Creek at Otway (in MLLW) 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 Ward Creek at Otway (in MLLW)?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Ward Creek at Otway (in MLLW) is 4 feet. Action stage begins at 3.5 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 5.5 feet, and major flooding at 7.5 feet.
How do I get alerts when Ward Creek rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Ward Creek at Otway (in MLLW) 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 Ward Creek at Otway (in MLLW) gauge located?
The gauge is located in Carteret County, North Carolina at coordinates 34.7808°N, 76.5740°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: NC Department of Public Safety