RIVER GAUGE · WATAUGA RIVER
Watauga River near Sugar Grove
Watauga County, North Carolina
Water level1.41 ft
Flow—
Last readingSep 16, 2026, 5:30 PM UTC (last recorded)
Action5 ft1,710.1 cfs
Minor flood6 ft2,410.6 cfs
Moderate flood16 ft11,804.8 cfs
Major flood20 ft18,750 cfs
The past week
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What floods at each level
- 16 ft
Several buildings in the Valle Crucis area are affected by flood waters.
- 14 ft
Significant lowland flooding through the Valle Crucis area.
- 6 ft
Flooding on portions of Watauga River road begins.
- 5 ft
Several low water bridges begin to flood including Dewitt Barnett road 5.5 miles upstream and Hubert Thomas road 1.8 miles downstream from gage.
Highest crests on record
| Date | Level | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 12, 1940 | 29.6 ft | 50,800 cfs |
| Sep 27, 2024 | 29.57 ft | 51,500 cfs |
| Jul 14, 1916 | 22.1 ft | 28,000 cfs |
More on Watauga River
UpstreamWatauga River near Foscoe
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