Is the Charles River flooding?

Massachusetts · 5 gauges · Massachusetts river levels

The Charles River is tracked by 5 USGS streamgauges in Massachusetts. This page compares each gauge’s live water level against its official National Weather Service flood stage, refreshed every 15 minutes, so you can tell whether the Charles River is running normal, rising toward flood stage, or already flooding. 3 of 5 gauges have both a usable water-level reading and a published minor flood stage. Gauges without a published flood stage show water level and flow only. For nearby rivers, see all Massachusetts river levels.

data refreshed 15 min ago

Readings may be delayed; check each observation time below. This gauge summary does not rule out flooding on unmonitored stretches or nearby streets.

River facts

The longest-running gauge on this river is Charles River at Waltham, MA. The highest level ever recorded there was 7.56 ft on 15 March 2010, carrying 4,270 cfs. Peak records there go back to 1932 (94 annual peaks). It is currently at 0.75 ft, 6.8 ft below that record.

Drains 251 sq mi · gauge elevation 19 ft · source: USGS peak-flow record

GaugeStatusStageFlood stageUpdated
Charles River at Medway, MANo flooding0.80 ft5 ft
Charles River at Dover, MANo flooding0.66 ft5 ft
Charles River at Waltham, MANo flooding0.75 ft5 ft
Charles River above Watertown Dam at Watertown, MANo current data
Charles River at Wellesley, MANo flood stage defined2.73 ft
Provisional data: Real-time readings are provisional and subject to revision by the USGS — sensors can be affected by ice, debris, or equipment malfunction. Do not rely on this site for decisions involving personal safety; follow official guidance from the National Weather Service and local authorities.