Middle Fork Feather River near Portola
California — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Plumas County, California on the Middle Fork Feather River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 11392100, 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
4855.5 ft
11,000 cfs
Moderate Flood
4853.5 ft
6,500 cfs
Minor Flood
4852.5 ft
4,800 cfs
Action Stage
4851 ft
2,829 cfs
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
4856.5 ft
Major to near record flooding. Major damages to transportation, homes and businesses. Similar to January 1997, and in excess of February 9, 2017. Potential for rapid rises and major impacts from tributary streams. Tributary impacts may significantly proceed main-stem peak flows.
4855.5 ft
Major Flood Stage. Major disruptions to transportation with significant impacts to homes and businesses between Beckworth and Clio. Approaching levels of February 9, 2017. Potential for rapid rises and major impacts from tributary streams. Impacts below Portola influenced by magnitude of tributary flows, especially Sulphur Creek. Tributary impacts may significantly proceed main-stem peak flows.
4854.5 ft
Moderate flooding of businesses, homes, structures, and roads, including Highway 89 near Clio, portions of Highway 70, and low lying homes from Beckwourth to Clio. Impacts below Portola influenced by magnitude of tributary flows, especially Sulphur Creek.
4854 ft
Moderate flooding of lowlands, roads, homes, businesses and structures along river from Beckwourth to Clio. Lowest homes on West Street begin to flood. Impacts below Portola influenced by magnitude of tributary flows, especially Sulphur Creek. Similar level to February 22nd, 2017, and slightly exceeding flooding of January 9, 2017.
4853.5 ft
Moderate Flood Stage. Flooding of lowlands, structures, and roads from Beckwourth to Clio. Several low lying structures along river in Portola flood. Evacuation of homes on south end of West Street may be necessary. Highway 89 near Clio likely flooded. Impacts below Portola influenced by magnitude of tributary flows, especially Sulphur Creek. Similar level to 1/9/2017.
4853 ft
Minor flooding of lowlands, roads, and low-lying structures between Beckwourth to Clio. In Portola the lowest lying buildings and businesses on highway 70 may begin to experience some minor flooding. Water along West Street nearing lowest homes along river. Highway 89 near Clio likely flooded. Potential for greater impacts in the lower portion of the reach with large contribution from tributary creeks. Similar level to 3/23/2018.
4852.5 ft
Flood stage. Minor flooding of lowlands, rural roads, agricultural areas, and some low structures between Beckwourth and Clio. In Portola, water nearing lowest lying businesses along Highway 70 on west edge of Portola. The south end of West Street in Portola floods. Portions of Highway 89 near Clio may begin to flood. Potential for greater impacts in the lower portion of the reach with large contribution from tributary creeks. Similar level to March 17, 2011.
4852 ft
Limited minor lowland flooding between Beckwourth and Clio. Potential for road impacts near Clio with large contribution from tributary creeks.
4851 ft
Monitor Stage. Some areas of very minor out of bank flow between Beckwourth and Clio.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 11, 2017 | 4856.27 ft | 12,891 cfs |
| Feb 11, 2017 | 4856.27 ft | 12,891 cfs |
| Mar 15, 2023 | 4854.42 ft | 8,285 cfs |
| Mar 15, 2023 | 4854.42 ft | 8,285 cfs |
| Jan 20, 1969 | 4854.11 ft | 7,640 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
MFTC1
River
Middle Fork Feather River
County
Plumas, CA
Coordinates
39.8189°N, 120.4450°W
Get Flood Alerts for Middle Fork Feather 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 Middle Fork Feather River near Portola?
The Middle Fork Feather River near Portola gauge is maintained by USGS (site 11392100) 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 Middle Fork Feather River near Portola?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Middle Fork Feather River near Portola is 4852.5 feet. Action stage begins at 4851 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 4853.5 feet, and major flooding at 4855.5 feet.
How do I get alerts when Middle Fork Feather River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Middle Fork Feather River near Portola 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 Middle Fork Feather River near Portola gauge located?
The gauge is located in Plumas County, California at coordinates 39.8189°N, 120.4450°W. USGS site number: 11392100. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: CA Dept. of Water Resources, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- Stage may be affected by ice during winter months.