Can you swim here today?
Ripley Branch
Tennessee · River
Use caution — flow is well above normal for this date
Use cautionAs of August 21, 2026, the water temperature at Ripley Branch is 77°F (25°C), measured by USGS gauge 03490000, 3.9 miles away.
Use caution — flow is well above normal for this date: flow is above the 75th percentile for Aug 22 (median 242 ft³/s over 64 years); fast water is the top river-drowning risk.
- Flow is above the 75th percentile for Aug 22 (median 242 ft³/s over 64 years); fast water is the top river-drowning risk. — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 21, 10:15 PM gauge-local time
- Water temperature is 77°F, within the comfortable 70–86°F range. — USGS gauge 03490000, as of Aug 21, 10:15 PM gauge-local time
- Heavy rain today can raise bacteria levels near outfalls and river mouths.
Flow is high for this date — above the 75th percentile for Aug 22 (median 242 ft³/s over 64 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for Tennessee yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge N F HOLSTON RIVER NEAR GATE CITY, VA (3.9 mi away), as of Aug 21, 10:15 PM gauge-local time.
Before you get in
- Never swim alone — and keep weaker swimmers within arm's reach.
- Scout depth and entry/exit points before you get in.
- Read the current: avoid fast, rising, or murky water.
- Check the forecast — get out well before storms or lightning.
- Obey posted signs, flags, and lifeguard guidance.
Read next
Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly. Always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories and local guidance before swimming or paddling.