Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hydrologic Network

Introduction

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been collecting streamflow data in North Carolina for more than 100 years (USGS Water Programs in North Carolina, FS-046-01). In the Charlotte and Mecklenburg County area, a hydrologic data-collection network has been established to collect not only streamflow data but also rainfall data.

In response to the floods of August 1995 and July 1997, the U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Water Program and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Stormwater Services has expanded and enhanced this data-collection network.

Currently, the network consists of 72 raingages and 52 streamgages. It has grown over the last 30 years and evolved from a two-way polling landline system to a true real-time notification system using line-of-site radios and satellite telemetry.

Rising floodwaters overtopping a local bridge. Photograph by Jerald B. Robinson, USGS.

Effects of August 1995 and July 1997 storms in the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
Fact Sheet FS-036-98

Charlotte Network

The network is comprised of 124 sites collecting 5-minute interval data and is co-managed with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Land Use & Environmental Services Agency (LUESA)
Data from most sites are available on NWISWeb, usually within 10 minutes of being recorded.
During extreme conditions when thresholds are exceeded at a gage, data are immediately reported as part of the Flood Information and Notification System (FINS).
Project Chief: Jerald (Boo) Robinson jbrobins@usgs.gov