French Broad River at Pearson Bridge Rd, 2 NW Asheville, NC

The last 7 days and the forecast

NWS forecast issued Mon, Oct 12, 9:22 AM. Forecasts change as rain falls and as upstream water arrives.

Flood stages

What floods at each level

From the National Weather Service, highest first.

• 23.1 ftRecord Flood Stage. This is the highest stage observed for the French Broad River at Asheville since measurements began in October 1895. Devastating flooding of adjacent areas of the French Broad River Valley is likely.
• 19 ftMajor Flooding continues. Devastating impacts are likely ongoing from Woodfin to I-240 and Carrier Park. Floodwaters are likely impacting residences as well as businesses on the left bank of the river while significant right-bank inundation continues and worsens.
• 18 ftMajor Flood Stage. Significant flooding is ongoing along the French Broad River from Carrier Park to Woodfin. Most buildings within the floodplain in this area are likely experiencing significant lower-level inundation. Roadways adjacent to the river including Riverside Dr., Lyman St., Craven Dr., Riverview Dr., and Emma Rd. are likely impassable.
• 15 ftModerate Flooding continues. Significant flooding of commercial and industrial buildings along Riverside Dr. is ongoing. Floodwaters are beginning to impact commercial and industrial buildings along Lyman St. and between Lyman St. and Depot St. Floodwaters have reached levels similar to those that occurred during Hurricane Frances in early September, 2004.
• 13 ftModerate Flood Stage. French Broad River floodwaters may be inundating the ground floor of industrial and commercial buildings between the river and I-26, especially south of Pearson Bridge Rd.
• 12 ftMinor Flooding continues. French Broad River floodwaters are impacting industrial and commercial property between Woodfin and Pearson Bridge Rd. as well as along Riverside Dr. Floodwaters may begin to enter adjacent industrial and commercial structures and buildings.
• 10.5 ftMinor Flooding continues. French Broad River floodwaters may be approaching industrial buildings on the right bank between Woodfin and Pearson Bridge Rd. Floodwaters may also be approaching industrial buildings between Haywood Rd. and Amboy Rd.
• 9.5 ftMinor Flood Stage. The French Broad River is flooding areas between Riverside Dr., and Lyman St. on the right bank and Riverview Dr., Craven St. and Emma Rd. on the left bank, including railroad and industrial property. Parts of Emma Rd. between Pearson Bridge Rd. and Craven St. may be flooding.
• 8 ftAction stage flooding continues. The French Broad River is beginning to flood low-lying areas near Pearson Bridge Rd. and may be approaching industrial property.
• 7.5 ftAction stage flooding continues. French Broad River floodwaters continue to flood Woodfin Riverside Park, the floodplain adjacent to Craggy Dam Reservoir, Carrier Park, and French Broad River Park as well as other low-lying areas within the flood plain. Floodwaters may be approaching Amboy Rd. and Lyman St. Local small tributaries including Smith Mill Creek near Emma Rd. may be exceeding bankfull levels.
• 6.5 ftAction Stage. The French Broad River is exceeding its banks and beginning to flood low-lying areas, including the Woodfin Riverside Park, the floodplain adjacent to Craggy Dam Reservoir, Carrier Park, and French Broad River Park.

Highest crests on record

1. 24.82 ft — September 27, 2024
2. 23.1 ft — July 16, 1916
3. 18 ft — June 1, 1976
4. 15 ft — August 1, 1952
5. 14.55 ft — September 8, 2004

Recent crests: 24.82 ft (September 27, 2024) · 8.58 ft (May 19, 2018) · 9.14 ft (December 29, 2015) · 6.57 ft (December 26, 2015) · 7.56 ft (December 24, 2015)

Up and down the river, and nearby

• UpstreamFrench Broad River at Old Fanning Bridge Rd, 3 W Fletcher, NC
• DownstreamFrench Broad River above Rollins Rd, 1 SE Marshall, NC
• Swannanoa River below Hendersonville Rd (NC 81), in Biltmore Village (2 S Asheville), NC
• Ivy River near Marshall, NC
• Mills River near Mills River, NC
• Pigeon River above Old River Rd (NC 215), 1 SW Canton, NC
• East Fork Pigeon River above Canton, NC
• Mud Creek (NC) at N Main St 1 N Hendersonville, NC