Oconaluftee River below Contesky Dr, in Birdtown
Critical Stages
8' - Action
10' - Flood
12' - Moderate
13' - Major
Latest Observation
Updated: 2:00 AM EST 12/15/25
Status: No Flooding
Stage: 1.42 ft
Flow: 0.293 kcfs
Forecast
Forecast not available for this location.
| Time | Stage (ft) | Flow (kcfs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2:00 AM 12/15 | 1.42 | 0.293 |
| 1:45 AM 12/15 | 1.42 | 0.293 |
| 1:30 AM 12/15 | 1.42 | 0.293 |
| 1:15 AM 12/15 | 1.42 | 0.293 |
| 1:00 AM 12/15 | 1.42 | 0.293 |
| 12:45 AM 12/15 | 1.42 | 0.293 |
| 12:30 AM 12/15 | 1.42 | 0.293 |
| 12:15 AM 12/15 | 1.42 | 0.293 |
| 12:00 AM 12/15 | 1.43 | 0.298 |
| 11:45 PM 12/14 | 1.43 | 0.298 |
| 11:30 PM 12/14 | 1.43 | 0.298 |
| 11:15 PM 12/14 | 1.43 | 0.298 |
| 11:00 PM 12/14 | 1.43 | 0.298 |
| 10:45 PM 12/14 | 1.43 | 0.298 |
| 10:30 PM 12/14 | 1.43 | 0.298 |
| 10:15 PM 12/14 | 1.44 | 0.302 |
| 10:00 PM 12/14 | 1.44 | 0.302 |
| 9:45 PM 12/14 | 1.44 | 0.302 |
| 9:30 PM 12/14 | 1.44 | 0.302 |
| 9:15 PM 12/14 | 1.44 | 0.302 |
| 9:00 PM 12/14 | 1.44 | 0.302 |
| 8:45 PM 12/14 | 1.44 | 0.302 |
| 8:30 PM 12/14 | 1.44 | 0.302 |
| 8:15 PM 12/14 | 1.44 | 0.302 |
| 8:00 PM 12/14 | 1.44 | 0.302 |
| 7:45 PM 12/14 | 1.44 | 0.302 |
| 7:30 PM 12/14 | 1.44 | 0.302 |
| 7:15 PM 12/14 | 1.44 | 0.302 |
| 7:00 PM 12/14 | 1.44 | 0.302 |
| 6:45 PM 12/14 | 1.44 | 0.302 |
18' -
Record flooding will be observed.
17' -
Expect most stores, motels, and other businesses in Birdtown and Cherokee, as well as parts of Highways 19a and 441, to be flooded.
15' -
Many buildings will likely be flooded in Birdtown between McCoy Branch Rd. and Adams Creek Rd.
13' -
Businesses and hotels in Birdtown and Cherokee may begin to flood.
12' -
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' -
Water approaches US 19 just west of Goose Creek Rd.
10' -
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' -
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' -
Flooding will be likely upstream along the Oconaluftee River in the Yellow Hill community especially along White Water Drive.
3.5' -
3.5 inch in headwaters in 12 hrs caused the river to rise from 1.83 ft to 7.71 ft
2.5' -
2.5 to 3.0 basin avg in 8 hr in headwaters will cause a 6 ft rise on river.
1.1' -
1.25 basin average in 5 hours in headwaters caused a 2.3 ft rise.
| Date | Stage (ft) |
|---|---|
| Nov 19, 1906 | 18 |
| Mar 27, 1913 | 14.5 |
| Dec 30, 1969 | 12.46 |
| Mar 16, 1973 | 12.29 |
| Jan 7, 1946 | 12 |
| Mar 6, 1963 | 11.9 |
| Mar 26, 1965 | 11.47 |
| Mar 17, 1990 | 10.71 |
| Jan 21, 1959 | 10.69 |
| Feb 13, 1966 | 10.67 |
| Mar 28, 1994 | 10.62 |
| Mar 12, 1963 | 10.53 |
| Apr 4, 1977 | 10.42 |
| May 6, 2003 | 10.38 |
| Apr 7, 1964 | 10.24 |
| Sep 27, 2024 | 10.18 |
| Jan 31, 1957 | 10.1 |
| Mar 5, 1964 | 9.9 |
| Feb 21, 1953 | 9.9 |
| Dec 12, 1961 | 9.87 |
Data provided by the National Weather Service.
