NC · 35.7100, -81.2200
Lake Hickory is at 96.8% of full pond and holding steady — Duke Energy has restrictions in effect; confirm access with them before you go.
Lake Level (% of full pond)
Percent of full pond, as published by the operator — a share of the water, not an elevation
As ofPublished by Duke Energy
Low Inflow Protocol — Stage 2
Duke Energy has conservation measures in effect for this lake.
On May 1, 2026, the Catawba-Wateree River Basin entered Stage 2 of the Low Inflow Protocol (LIP) due to significantly below average rainfall in the area for the past several months and very low stream flows. As a result, lake levels are declining, and recreation flow schedules have been suspended as required under Stage 2 of the LIP. The Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (DMAG), which consists of representatives from Duke Energy, large water users, and federal and state resource agencies, is closely following conditions in the basin. As these dry weather conditions continue, the community is asked to limit water use and to conserve energy which also saves water. Residents who withdraw water from a Duke Energy lake for irrigation purposes are required to limit their water withdrawals to no more than two days a week (i.e., Tuesdays and Saturdays) and only use the minimum amount necessary. To ensure the safety of boaters and protect property, some boat ramps may close temporarily due to declining lake levels. Any closures will be listed on the Duke Energy Lakeview app and Duke-Energy.com/Lakes. Updated lake levels are available any time at www.duke-energy.com/lakes, by calling 800.829.5253, or on the Duke Energy Lake View mobile app.
Issued May 1, 2026 by Duke Energy.
Last 24 hours
Holding steady
+0.20 %
Last 7 days
Holding steady
+0.10 %
One email when Lake Hickory crosses a level you set — or moves hard in a day. No spam on wiggles.
Full pool
935.0 ft
Lake Hickory is located in NC at coordinates 35.7100°N, 81.2200°W. Water level data is provided by Duke Energy. The full pool elevation is 935.0 ft. The latest reading is 96.80 % of full pond. Duke Energy has declared stage 2 restrictions here; see the notice above for current guidance.
A small badge a marina, lake association or guide can paste on their site. It always includes a link back to Lake Hickory on LakeLevels — that is the entire point.
Recommended — places a real link on the host page.