Elk River near Prospect
Tennessee — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Giles County, Tennessee on the Elk River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 03584600, updated every 15 minutes.
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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Flood Stages
Major Flood
40 ft
Moderate Flood
37 ft
Minor Flood
25 ft
Action Stage
22 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
40 ft
Widespread flooding continues to impact Hwy 237 near Elkton and Prospect, as well as Prospect Elkton Rd Hwy 273 at Richland Creek, Pleasant Hill Rd at Bates Hollow Rd, Valley Ln, and Ragsdale Rd, and portions of Elkton Pike U.S. 31south of Elkton. Several structures in Prospect are flooded, and water reaches Reeves Branch Rd at Baugh Rd, the access road to the weigh station, and approaches railroad tracks at the river near the Lincoln County line.
38 ft
Widespread flooding is impacting portions of Hwy 237 near Elkton and Prospect, portions of Pleasant Hill Rd at Bates Hollow Rd, Valley Ln, and Ragsdale Rd, and Elkton Pike south of Ed McCormack Rd. Several structures in Prospect on Hwy 273 south of Prospect Rd are flooded. Water approaches Prospect Elkton Rd Hwy 273 at Richland Creek, Reeves Branch Rd at Baugh Rd, the access road to the weigh station, and Elkton Pike - U.S. 31 south of Elkton, which may be impassable at higher levels.
36 ft
Significant flooding continues across southeast Giles County, impacting portions of Hwy 237 near Elkton and Prospect, portions of Pleasant Hill Rd at Bates Hollow Rd, Valley Ln, and Ragsdale Rd, and Elkton Pike U.S. 31 south of Ed McCormack Rd Ardmore Ridge Rd. Several structures in Prospect on Hwy 273 south of Prospect Rd are flooded.
34 ft
Significant flooding is occurring along the river, impacting Bryson Rd Hwy 273 east of I-65, Pleasant Hill Rd at Bates Hollow Rd, Case Rd Hwy 273 and structures in Prospect, and Bethel Prospect Rd near Birdsong Ln which are all impassable. Water approaches Elkton Pike - U.S. 31 south of Ed McCormack Rd Ardmore Ridge Rd, and Pleasant Hill Rd at Valley Ln and near Ragsdale Rd which may be impassable at higher levels.
32 ft
Extensive flooding continues across southeast Giles County, impacting area roads including Baugh Rd east of I-65, and Witt Rd between Beasley Branch Rd and River Bend Rd. Water approaches Bryson Rd Hwy 273 east of I-65, Pleasant Hill Rd at Bates Hollow Rd, Case Rd Hwy 273 and structures in Prospect, and Bethel Prospect Rd near Birdsong Ln. These roads may be impassable at higher levels.
30 ft
Extensive flooding of agricultural areas along the river is occurring, with flood waters reaching Old Hwy 31 near Ed McCormack Rd which is impassable. Water approaches Baugh Rd east of I-65, and Witt Rd between Beasley Branch Rd and River Bend Rd which may be impassable at higher levels.
28 ft
Water approaches Old Hwy 31 near Ed McCormack Rd and may be impassable at higher levels.
26 ft
Flooding is impacting agricultural areas along the river across southeast Giles County. Water covers Veto Rd near the Hargrove - Johnson bridge south of Route 273. It may be unsafe to pass and motorists should seek an alternate route.
24 ft
Water approaches Veto Rd near the Hargrove - Johnson bridge and may be impassable at higher levels.
22 ft
Water continues to impact low lying and agricultural areas along the river across southeast Giles County.
20 ft
Water has completely inundated the Veto Boat Ramp and the Matt Gardner Elk River Access Area. The boat ramps and parking areas are completely submerged at this level and unusable. Low lying and agricultural areas along the river begin to be inundated.
18 ft
Water begins to inundate the Veto Boat Ramp at the Hargrove - Johnson bridge, and the Matt Gardner Elk River Access Area.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 28, 1902 | 40.9 ft | — |
| Feb 28, 1902 | 40.9 ft | — |
| Mar 16, 1973 | 40.12 ft | 117,000 cfs |
| Mar 16, 1973 | 40.12 ft | 117,000 cfs |
| Mar 21, 1955 | 38.98 ft | 104,000 cfs |
About This Gauge
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Elk River near Prospect?
The Elk River near Prospect gauge is maintained by USGS (site 03584600) 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 Elk River near Prospect?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Elk River near Prospect is 25 feet. Action stage begins at 22 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 37 feet, and major flooding at 40 feet.
How do I get alerts when Elk River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Elk River near Prospect 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 Elk River near Prospect gauge located?
The gauge is located in Giles County, Tennessee at coordinates 35.0142°N, 86.9947°W. USGS site number: 03584600. 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