Gauge Description:

For most of modern paddling history the TVA gauge Little Pigeon at Sevierville has been used to speculate on flows on the Middle Prong. 2000 cfs was a good indicator for a reasonable run.

Now there is a better way. There is a gauge called Little Pigeon above Sevierville which measures the flow of only the Middle Prong and the East Fork of the Little Pigeon. This more accurately conveys flows in the upper stretches of the Middle Prong, as the West Prong is not included in the values recorded at this gauge location. This spot is four miles upstream of the West Prong confluence

Using local radar rainfall totals, investigate whether the rain was valley precipitation or whether it fell in the higher altitudes at the top of the headwaters. If it fell high then look for levels of 800 cfs or more for good flows. If it is still rising it is anyone's bet, based on rainfall totals. If it is falling and is below 1000, there may be a chance of getting skunked.

National Weather Service/NOAA Rain gauge for Sevier County
Newfound Gap is a good rain gauge for this run, though it is in one watershed west, that of the West Prong Little Pigeon. If there has been an inch or more, this is likely to be running, with more rain required after extended dry periods.

This run is navigable on a more regular basis than people realize, and has a sizable drainage.

At the US 321 bridge, There is a gauge on the midstream river left bridge abutment that is faintly spraypainted on the upstream face. Unfortunately as of 12/2006, the gauge is not readable and needs a repaint real soon. The section described herein can be run as low as 1.7 feet on the gauge and as high as you like.At 3 feet the run is quite big and gauleyesque.