River stage
Hot Springs, French Broad River
- River level
- 4.36 ft
- Status
- Below flood stage
- 7-day change
- +1.75 ft
- Recent high
- 4.96 ft
- Recent low
- 2.44 ft
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS HSPN7
- 30-day change
- +1.83 ft
- Average
- 2.85 ft
- Readings
- 122
- Data span
- 122 days
- Record crest
- 22.30 ft
In brief
The French Broad River at Hot Springs, NC read 4.36 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 3.14 ft below action stage. That is 1.83 ft higher than 30 days earlier.
Source: National Weather Service gauge HSPN7
River level timeline
Stage threshold profile
Highest crests on record
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22.30 ft | 2024-09-27 |
| 2 | 22.00 ft | 1916-07-16 |
| 3 | 19.00 ft | 1902-02-28 |
| 4 | 18.00 ft | 1867-03-01 |
| 5 | 17.50 ft | 1977-11-07 |
| 6 | 17.00 ft | 1876-06-10 |
| 7 | 16.11 ft | 1940-08-30 |
| 8 | 13.10 ft | 2019-04-19 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
What happens at each level
- 9.50 ft
Parts of Silver Mine Road and River Road may begin to flood. Areas near Spring Creek in the Hot Springs Spa area will begin to flood.
- 10.00 ft
Floodwaters will approach Hot Springs Spa property and parts of River Road and Silvermine Road will flood. Floodwater levels will be similar to levels observed on May 6, 2003.
- 12.50 ft
Water may approach camping areas between South Andrews Avenue and the river. Floodwater levels will be similar to levels observed on September 9, 2004.
- 16.50 ft
Areas between the railroad and the river near Divine Water Way northwest of town and areas between the river and Highway 25/70 near Lookout Loop will begin to flood.
- 19.00 ft
Much of the area between the river and Silver Mine and Andrews Rds will likely be flooded. Spring Creek will overflow its banks north of Bridges Rd.
- 21.00 ft
Hot Springs Spa buildings will be flooded. Homes and some buildings between the river and river and Silver Mine Rds will be flooded.
- 22.50 ft
Water will approach camping areas and a few homes along Painted Rock Rd. Similar flooding that occurred on September 17, 2004
- 23.50 ft
Further flooding along Spring Creek, causing water levels to be around 2 ft deep in some areas between Spring creek and Andrew Ave.
- 26.00 ft
Major flooding. Water levels in town will be around 1 to 3 ft high.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the French Broad River flooding at Hot Springs?
No. The French Broad River at Hot Springs is at 4.36 ft, 3.14 ft below action stage.
What is the flood stage at Hot Springs?
The National Weather Service sets action stage 7.5 ft, minor flooding 9.5 ft, moderate flooding 16 ft and major flooding 21 ft.
What is the highest the French Broad River has been at Hot Springs?
The highest crest on record is 22.3 ft, on 2024-09-27.
Is the French Broad River high or low right now at Hot Springs?
At 4.36 ft it is higher than 98% of readings over the last 122 days.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge HSPN7); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 03454500). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.