PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (GA NC) Project Alert Notice (SAWSC) Flooding in North Carolina and North Georgia

Date: Wed, 30 May 2018 17:59:11 EDT

Summary: USGS response to flooding in Western North Carolina and North Georgia.

Summary of Event Impact:

Flooding from rainfall occurring in Western, North Carolina and North Georgia.


Event Information:

USGS rainfall monitoring stations in Western North Carolina have recorded 5-8 inches of precipitation over the last 7 days, with more precipitation expected. The Catawba River near Pleasant Gardens, NC has recorded a peak discharge of nearly 17,000 cfs and rainfall amounts totaling 7.9 inches in the past seven days. Two crews were deployed to conduct flood measurements on Tuesday, May 29th with another 3 crews responding on Wednesday, May 30th.


Stations in North Georgia, specifically, 03544970 Hiwassee River Near Hiawassee, GA have recorded over 8 inches of rainfall in the past 7 days and 12 inches of rainfall in the last 14 days. Two crews were deployed to North Georgia to obtain flood measurements at three stations.


Several high flow measurements will be conducted in Western, NC, near Asheville, NC. Due to the potential threat of the Tahoma Dam failure and mandatory evacuations, this area will be avoided, which may require flagging of high water marks and conducting ungaged indirect measurements. Multiple mudslides have been reported due to the remnants of Subtropical Storm Alberto with Henderson County, NC reporting partially washed out roads and a state of emergency declaration by NC Emergency Management. As the storm continues and additional streams reach peak stage, support from the Charlotte, NC field office will assist if needed.


USGS will continue to conduct flood measurements to verify the extreme conditions and to extend stag-discharge ratings as needed.