Cape Fear River at Lock 1

Last updated: Apr 2, 2025, 12:36 AM UTC
No watches, warnings or advisories are in effect for this area.

Flood Impacts 🅘

  • 30 - Flooding similar to Hurricane Florence in 2018. Highway 11 between the Cape Fear River and Natmore Road near Kelly will be flooded. The Canetuck area may be flooded. Several roads near Kelly and Canetuck may be flooded. The railroad between Navassa and Wilmington may flood as the crest works downstream and moderate or higher tidal flooding will occur at downtown Wilmington within a week of the crest at Lock 1.
  • 28 - Flooding similar to Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Highway 11 between the Cape Fear River and Natmore Road near Kelly will be flooded. The Canetuck area may be flooded especially if the Black River is also flooding. The railroad between Navassa and Wilmington may flood as the crest works downstream and moderate or higher tidal flooding will occur at downtown Wilmington within a week of the crest at Lock 1.
  • 26 - Highway 11 will begin to flood between the Cape Fear River and Natmore Road. Other roads near Kelly and Canetuck may flood. Moderate flooding of swamps and low lands. Flooding similar to that reached with the remnants of Hurricane Hilda in 1964.

Gauge Info

Coordinates 34.4044, -78.2936
RFC SERFC
State NC
WFO ILM
County Bladen
Data Provider(s)
US Geological Survey USGS--Water Resources of the United States
USGS 02105769

Gauge Location

Recent Crests

1. 21.39 ft on 04-13-2023
2. 21.10 ft on 03-21-2022
3. 22.67 ft on 02-20-2021
4. 22.04 ft on 01-07-2021
5. 23.25 ft on 11-17-2020

Historic Crests

1. 30.68 ft on 09-21-2018
2. 29.80 ft on 09-23-1945 1
3. 28.58 ft on 10-13-2016
4. 26.00 ft on 10-09-1964 1
5. 24.92 ft on 03-03-1979

Low Water Records

1. 13.97 ft on 08-10-2002
2. 14.28 ft on 10-18-2007
3. 14.45 ft on 09-12-2007
4. 14.46 ft on 11-11-2006
5. 14.52 ft on 08-16-2007
(P) -  Preliminary values subject to further review
¹ -  Gauge datum changed during this year

Gauge Photos

Photo 1 of 1

USGS Gage at Cape Fear Lock 1

Probability Information

Photo 1 of 3

Unique Local Info

Potential River Levels - Used to

Potential River Levels
Used to Estimate the Chance of Flooding and the Range of Possible River Levels
10 Day (HEFS) 10 Day (NAEFS) 10 Day (GEFS)
HEFS Ensemble NAEFS Ensemble GEFS Ensemble

Note: The official hydrograph at the top of this web page was made by a river forecaster using past rainfall and forecast rainfall for the next 48 hours. The Potential River Level graphics are computer generated and most useful for rain expected beyond 48 hours.

Click individual graphics to enlarge.

Collaborative Agencies

The National Weather Service prepares its forecasts and other services in collaboration with agencies like the US Geological Survey, US Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineers, Natural Resource Conservation Service, National Park Service, ALERT Users Group, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and many state and local emergency managers across the country. For details, please click here.

WFO Information

Weather Forecast Office
Wilmington
2015 Gardner Drive
Wilmington, NC 28405
Official Homepage