Adjust these to match your own comfort level. Saved in your browser only.
Buford Dam Release
Norcross Gauge · USGS 02335000
- A life jacket (PFD) is required by law when wading above the Highway 20 Bridge.
- A life jacket and wading belt are always recommended on the entire tailwater.
Highway 20 Bridge — PFD required above this point
Travel time: ~4–6 hrs from Buford Dam to Jones Bridge. Recede: 4–6 hrs after release ends.
Always call to confirm the release schedule before heading out.
770-945-1466 Toll-free: 1-855-326-3569
This page is a prototype. It is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon for safety decisions.
The Chattahoochee River downstream of Buford Dam is subject to release of water and increase of flows within the river. The undertaking of any activity within the Chattahoochee River is a voluntary act and done at the risk of each participant.
The thresholds and status indicators shown on this page reflect the personal preferences of one angler and do not constitute professional safety advice. River conditions can change rapidly and without warning.
Erä Outfitters, its owners, and affiliates accept no liability for any injury, death, loss, or damage to any individual or third party for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or exemplary damages or lost profit resulting from any use or misuse of data or information from this page.
A life jacket (PFD) is always recommended when wading the tailwater and is required by law above the Highway 20 Bridge. A wading belt is always recommended.
You assume all risk when entering the river. Always verify conditions independently, call the hotline, and exercise your own judgment.
- USGS Norcross Gauge — River depth, water clarity, streamflow
- USACE Buford Dam Discharge — Real-time CFS from the dam
- USACE Release Schedule — Daily hourly generation schedule
- NPS Jones Bridge — Safety, flow limits, E. coli
- 770-945-1466 — Dam release hotline (1-855-326-3569)
Data sourced from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Geological Survey. All readings are provisional and subject to revision.