Can you swim here today?
Gardners Branch
North Carolina · River
Use caution — an official advisory is in effect
Use cautionAs of August 21, 2026, USGS gauge 02102500, 6 miles away, reports a streamflow of 691 ft³/s near Gardners Branch but no water-temperature reading.
Use caution — an official advisory is in effect: live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby.
- Live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby. — USGS gauge 02102500, as of Aug 21, 6:15 PM gauge-local time
- A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Anson, NC; Cumberland, NC; Harnett, NC; Hoke, NC; Johnston, NC; Lee, NC; Montgomery, NC; Moore, NC and other areas. — NWS Raleigh NC
- A Flood Watch is in effect for Alamance; Orange; Durham; Randolph; Chatham; Wake; Johnston; Wilson; Stanly; Montgomery; Moore; Lee; Harnett and other areas. — NWS Raleigh NC
- Flow is within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Aug 21 (median 744 ft³/s over 44 years). — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 21, 6:15 PM gauge-local time
- Heavy rain today can raise bacteria levels near outfalls and river mouths.
Flow is normal for this date — within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Aug 21 (median 744 ft³/s over 44 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for North Carolina yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge CAPE FEAR RIVER AT LILLINGTON, NC (6 mi away), as of Aug 21, 6:15 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.