Is the Kanawha River flooding?

West Virginia · 3 gauges · West Virginia river levels

The Kanawha River is tracked by 3 USGS streamgauges in West 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 Kanawha River is running normal, rising toward flood stage, or already flooding. 2 of 3 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 West Virginia river levels.

data refreshed 4 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 Kanawha River at Kanawha Falls, WV. The highest level ever recorded there was 37.80 ft on 14 September 1878, carrying 320,000 cfs. Peak records there go back to 1878 (148 annual peaks). It is currently at 2.83 ft, 35.0 ft below that record.

Drains 8,385 sq mi · gauge elevation 620 ft · source: USGS peak-flow record

GaugeStatusStageFlood stageUpdated
Kanawha River at Kanawha Falls, WVNo flooding2.83 ft27 ft
Kanawha River at S Side Bridge at Charleston, WVNo flooding7.48 ft30 ft
Kanawha River at Charleston, WVNo flooding18.29 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.