Is the James River flooding?

Virginia · 9 gauges · Virginia river levels

The James River is tracked by 9 USGS streamgauges in Virginia. 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 James River is running normal, rising toward flood stage, or already flooding. 6 of 9 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 Virginia river levels.

data refreshed 2 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 James River at Cartersville, VA. The highest level ever recorded there was 37.87 ft on 22 June 1972, carrying 362,000 cfs. Peak records there go back to 1869 (129 annual peaks). It is currently at 0.89 ft, 37.0 ft below that record.

Drains 6,252 sq mi · gauge elevation 167 ft · source: USGS peak-flow record

GaugeStatusStageFlood stageUpdated
James River at Lick Run, VANo flooding1.85 ft16 ft
James River at Holcomb Rock, VANo flooding4.11 ft22 ft
James River at Bent Creek, VANo flooding2.56 ft16 ft
James River at Scottsville, VANo flooding2.57 ft20 ft
James River at Cartersville, VANo flooding0.89 ft20 ft
James River near Richmond, VANo flooding3.49 ft12 ft
James River at Buchanan, VANo flood stage defined2.10 ft
James River at Bedford Dam near Major, VANo flood stage defined5.78 ft
James River at Blue Ridge Pkwy near Big Island, VANo flood stage defined3.95 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.