Can you swim here today?
Howard Creek
North Carolina · River
Live flow only — judge the water in person
Use cautionAs of August 21, 2026, USGS gauge 03479000, 10.6 miles away, reports a streamflow of 110 ft³/s near Howard Creek but no water-temperature reading.
Live flow only — judge the water in person: live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby.
- Live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby. — USGS gauge 03479000, as of Aug 21, 10:15 PM gauge-local time
- Flow is within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Aug 22 (median 63 ft³/s over 86 years). — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 21, 10:15 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 22 (median 63 ft³/s over 86 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for North Carolina yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge WATAUGA RIVER NEAR SUGAR GROVE, NC (10.6 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.