Is the Potomac River flooding?

Maryland · 7 gauges · Maryland river levels

The Potomac River is tracked by 7 USGS streamgauges in Maryland. 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 Potomac River is running normal, rising toward flood stage, or already flooding. 5 of 7 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 Maryland 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 Potomac River at Paw Paw, WV. The highest level ever recorded there was 54.00 ft on 18 March 1936, carrying 240,000 cfs. Peak records there go back to 1877 (92 annual peaks). It is currently at 3.79 ft, 50.2 ft below that record.

Drains 3,129 sq mi · gauge elevation 487 ft · source: USGS peak-flow record

GaugeStatusStageFlood stageUpdated
Potomac River at Paw Paw, WVNo flooding3.79 ft25 ft
Potomac River at Hancock, MDNo flooding3.20 ft25 ft
Potomac River at Point of Rocks, MDNo flooding1.33 ft16 ft
Potomac River at Edwards Ferry near Poolesville, MDNo flooding4.16 ft15 ft
Potomac River near Wash, Dc Little Falls Pump StaNo flooding2.79 ft10 ft
Potomac River at Harpers Ferry, WVNo flood stage defined0.58 ft
Potomac River at Burkittsville Rd at Brunswick, MDNo flood stage defined2.42 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.