Gauge Description:

The USGS online gauge is located near the take-out bridge. The Soquee River comes in above the take-out and can affect the readings of the online gauge.


The first reading below is cfs, then the on-line Cornelia gauge above.

200 cfs / <.7 / 1.6 - It's a hike - Don't go. Some would add a few tenths before going. Sehlinger & Otey actually say .8 is minimum per the 2nd reading
480 cfs / 1.1 / 2.0 - Low but still fun - You have to search for surf spots.
980 cfs / 1.7 / 2.5 - Good level for most. Surfing begins to get good.
1500 cfs / 2.3 / 3.0 - Lots of fun, but more challenging - This can be tricky for those with less skill/experience and used to lower levels.
2800 cfs / 3.5 / 4.0+ Carnage abounds (for beginners) - I've seen some serious rescues at this level, but it's still a class 3-4 run. This level only occurs after a hard sustained rain.

The Hooch occasionally goes higher, 11.58 in July '03 and 15.72 feet in Sept '04.



As of August 2001, 200 cfs at the take-out was equal to about 1.2 feet at the put-in.

There used to be a USGS gauge about 100 feet upstream of the put-in on river left, but it was blown out in a flood a few years back and was not replaced. This was the gauge that most of the existing guidebooks referred to.