Klamath River at Orleans
California — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Humboldt County, California on the Klamath River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 11523000, updated every 15 minutes.
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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Flood Stages
Major Flood
48 ft
Moderate Flood
43 ft
Minor Flood
38 ft
Action Stage
32 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
43 ft
Flood waters are likely to cover Highway 96 in numerous locations and will threaten residences and businesses in and around Orleans including Sandy Bar Cabins, Riverside Trailer Park and the downtown area. All persons in the vicinity of the river should take appropriate action and move to higher ground if necessary.
40 ft
Extensive flooding of areas south of Highway 96 near Orleans, Highway 96 north of the bridge at Orleans, at Ishi Pishi Bar, and near Slate Creek. Flooding of the firehouse and other buildings on the southwest side of Orleans is expected. Flooding of Highway 96 in Orleans is possible.
38 ft
Extensive flooding of low lying areas south of Highway 96 near Orleans and of the highway itself north of the bridge at Orleans. Flooding is likely near Ishi Pishi Bar and Slate Creek. Water may enter the fire house and other buildings on the southwest side of Orleans.
37 ft
Flooding in low lying areas south of Highway 96 near Orleans and on the highway itself north of the bridge at Orleans. There may also be flooding of Highway 96 at Ishi Pishi Bar.
35 ft
Flooding is likely in lower areas south of Highway 96 near Orleans and on the highway itself north of the bridge at Orleans. Flooding is possible on Highway 96 near Ishi Pishi Bar.
34 ft
Flooding is possible along Highway 96 north of the bridge at Orleans and in adjacent low-lying areas.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 21, 1964 | 50.25 ft | 307,000 cfs |
| Dec 21, 1964 | 50.25 ft | 307,000 cfs |
| Jan 15, 1974 | 39.2 ft | 279,000 cfs |
| Feb 17, 1986 | 39.2 ft | 278,000 cfs |
| Feb 17, 1986 | 39.2 ft | 278,000 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
ONSC1
River
Klamath River
County
Humboldt, CA
Coordinates
41.3034°N, 123.5345°W
Get Flood Alerts for Klamath River
StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Klamath River at Orleans?
The Klamath River at Orleans gauge is maintained by USGS (site 11523000) and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Klamath River at Orleans?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Klamath River at Orleans is 38 feet. Action stage begins at 32 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 43 feet, and major flooding at 48 feet.
How do I get alerts when Klamath River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Klamath River at Orleans to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category — even when your screen is off.
Where is the Klamath River at Orleans gauge located?
The gauge is located in Humboldt County, California at coordinates 41.3034°N, 123.5345°W. USGS site number: 11523000. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey