Salinas River near Spreckels
California — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Monterey County, California on the Salinas River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 11152500, 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
28 ft
33,300 cfs
Moderate Flood
26 ft
27,300 cfs
Minor Flood
23 ft
19,500 cfs
Action Stage
20 ft
13,100 cfs
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
30.29 ft
Flood of Record, March 12, 1995, 95,000 cfs. Disastrous flood damage to roads and agriculture land in the Salinas Valley. The city of Salinas in danger of being inundated, with the lowest portions of the city beginning to flood. Historical Note: at least 2,000 acres of agricultural land were permanently destroyed by erosion and soil deposition by this flood of record.
30 ft
Disastrous floding within the reach of the gage. Major damage to Southern Pacific Railroad near Castroville and Spreckels. Castroville residences and businesses from Merritt Street toward the Salinas River inundated. Disastrous flooding to farm land in the Salinas Valley, including severe damage due to erosion and sediment deposition. At least 100,000 acres inundated. Travel in the Salinas Valley near impossible. Water/sewage treatment plants flooded.
29 ft
Major flooding continues along the entire reach. Possible evacuations of Soledad, Gonzales, Chualar, Spreckels, and Castroville. All roads to Spreckels inundated, isolating the town. US 101 inundated just north of Soledad. Highway 1 south of Castroville near Nashua Road begins to flood.
28 ft
Major flooding of agricultural land within the reach of the gages. Major flooding begins along lower portions of Soledad, Gonzales, Chualar, Spence, Spreckels and Castroville. Water/sewage treatment plants in danger of being flooded. Many secondary and some primary roads inundated making travel difficult in the Salinas Valley. Highway 156 and 68 inundated and closed. Major damage to wide expanses of agricultural land in the Salinas Valley with 40,000 acres inundated.
27 ft
Moderate flooding continues along the reach. Approaches to river bridges within the reach begin to erode. Lower portions of Castroville begin to flood. Highway 156 near Castroville begins to flood. Flooding to Foster Road, 1 mile of Salinas.
26 ft
Moderate flooding of agricultural land and lower portions of Soledad, Gonzales, Chualar, Spence and Spreckels. Primary and secondary roads begin to flood within the reach. Highway 68 begins to flood. Levees in danger of breaching along the reach. At least 20,000 acres of farm land inundated in the Salinas Valley.
24 ft
Significant flooding of the lowest portions of agricultural land begins within the reach of the gage. River Road and Spreckels Boulevard begin to flood.
23 ft
A few farm residences will begin to flood near the Salinas River along the reach of the gage. River Road will begin to flood near Spreckels.
19 ft
Minor lowland flooding of agricultural land can be expected.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 12, 1995 | 30.29 ft | 95,000 cfs |
| Mar 12, 1995 | 30.29 ft | 95,000 cfs |
| Mar 12, 2023 | 26.89 ft | 22,200 cfs |
| Mar 12, 2023 | 26.89 ft | 22,200 cfs |
| Feb 25, 1969 | 26.51 ft | 83,100 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
SPRC1
River
Salinas River
County
Monterey, CA
Coordinates
36.6311°N, 121.6724°W
Get Flood Alerts for Salinas 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 Salinas River near Spreckels?
The Salinas River near Spreckels gauge is maintained by USGS (site 11152500) 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 Salinas River near Spreckels?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Salinas River near Spreckels is 23 feet. Action stage begins at 20 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 26 feet, and major flooding at 28 feet.
How do I get alerts when Salinas River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Salinas River near Spreckels 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 Salinas River near Spreckels gauge located?
The gauge is located in Monterey County, California at coordinates 36.6311°N, 121.6724°W. USGS site number: 11152500. 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, Observations courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers