Water level in the Linville River affects hikers and kayakers in the gorge. Water level is monitored by the USGS and shown in the graphs below, updated every 15 minutes.
Hiking discussions tend to use discharge (measured in cubic feet per second). Water level is of concern to hikers because there are no bridges in Linville Gorge. Opinions vary, but crossings are generally safe at flows below 100 cfs at Devil’s Hole, 150 cfs at Spence Ridge, and 200 cfs at the MST. Real-time discussion of water levels and drought conditions can be had at The Linville Gorge Facebook Group.
Kayaking discussions tend to use gauge height (measured in feet). These discussions are complex, but the gist is that less than 1.75 feet is too little water to consider floating the gorge, and more than 2.5 feet is for seriously advanced boaters only. Definitely check out the information available at American Whitewater.
Information on the USGS water data site on the Linville River can be obtained from the National Water Information System.
For those who want to be the first to know, you can subscribe to USGS Water Alert to receive text/email notifications.