About Hill Forest
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HYDROLOGY
Hill Forest is within the 170 sq. mile watershed of the Flat River, a segment of which flows through the Forest (offering Class I-III kayaking). Just southeast of the Forest, the confluence of the Flat, Little, and Eno rivers forms the Neuse River, the longest river in North Carolina. Lake Michie (pronounced 'Mickey'), the principal reservoir for the city of Durham, is located on the lower reaches of the Flat, just south of the Forest.
Flat River's water quality in the Forest and elsewhere above Lake Michie is very good, or “unimpaired” according to the NC Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources, thanks to the relatively undeveloped state of its watershed: in 2003 58% of the watershed was forested, 26% was agricultural land, and less than 4% was residential/urban. The city of Durham draws about half of its water supply, approximately 18 million gallons per day, from the Flat River watershed.
Near Hill Forest
(Gage located 1.5 mi. SSE of State Forest Road at Flat River)
Discharge Rate (cubic feet per second):
Gage height (feet):
Sources:
- Archibald M., et al. (2004). Protecting water quality in North Carolina's Flat River watershed: Policy options and processes.
- U.S. Geological Survey. Real-Time Water Data for USGS 02085500 FLAT RIVER AT BAHAMA, NC.