Gauge Description:

Runnable (some say) as low as 100 cfs but you gotta be really hardup. Ideal is from 250-400 cfs. The Watauga gets harder and harder the higher the flow. There aren't many boaters willing to run it over 650 cfs and those that do often portage some of drops (especially Hydro). The exception to this general rule is Stateline Falls, which is actually harder at very low levels than it is at moderate levels because the ankle-breaking rock just to the left of the landing zone becomes less padded. To find out what the Watauga is running, call the TVA at 800-238-2264 and press 3 or online at www.boatingbeta.com - my flows or here. Note the Sugargrove gauge is upstream of the Gorge itself and can sometimes read low compared to actual conditions in the gorge due to feeder creeks downstream of the gauge.

IV to V- (low) 150-250 cfs
IV to V- (ideal) 250-400 cfs
IV+ to V (pushy) 400-650 cfs
V (screaming) over 650 cfs

Watauga R nr Sugar Grove, NC [ NC ]

Current Conditions Stage Flow Updated 1.44 37 7/24 14:45 Station Graphs

Linked Reaches

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Level Legend:

Running

Below Minimum Recommended Flow

Above Maximum Recommended Flow

Unknown

Descriptions of reaches with River Name in bold have been verified by a regional StreamTeam member.

State	River Name/Section	Class	Level	Rel. Level	Updated
NC	Boone Fork— Julian Price Park to the Watauga, SR 1557	III-IV(V+)	37 cfs		7/24 14:45
NC	Elk— A) Route 1326 to Route 1305 (above Big Falls)	IV-V	37 cfs	low	7/24 14:45
NC	Watauga— 1. SR 1557 to NC 105 - Red Roof	II-IV	37 cfs	low	7/24 14:45
NC	Watauga— 2/3. NC Route 105 Bridge to US Route 321 Bridge	I-II	37.00 CFS		7/24 14:45
NC	Watauga— 4. US Route 321 Bridge to Guy's Ford	II(IV)	37.00 CFS	low	7/24 14:45
NC	Watauga— 5. Guys Ford Bridge to AW Sherwood Horine Access	IV-V	37 cfs	low	7/24 14:45
TN	Watauga— Guys Ford Bridge to Watauga Lake	IV-V	37 cfs	low	7/24 14:45

Station Description

AW Gauge ID:	1769
USGS Station:	03479000
HUC:	06010103
Latitude:	36.2383
Longitude:	-81.8228
Class:	4