RIVER GAUGE · SANTA MARGARITA RIVER
Santa Margarita River at Ysidora
San Diego County, California
Water level6.78 ft
Flow—
Last readingSep 16, 2026, 5:15 PM UTC (last recorded)
Action10.85 ft2,500 cfs
Minor flood12.5 ft8,000 cfs
Moderate flood13.78 ft17,000 cfs
Major flood16.29 ft37,000 cfs
The past week
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What floods at each level
- 16.29 ft
Major flood, 37,000 cfs. Widespread inundation of Camp Pendleton with evacuations likely. Flood of Record Jan 16, 1993.
- 13.78 ft
Moderate flood stage, 17,000 cfs. Vandegrift Road is flooded for several miles downstream of the gage site. Stuart Mesa Road is flooded near the bridge.
- 12.5 ft
Minor flood stage, 8,000 cfs. Vandegrift Road has begun to flood downstream of the gage. Stuart Mesa Road closures can be expected.
- 10.85 ft
2,500 cfs. The river has reached monitor stage. Personnel begin regular patrols along the levee.
Highest crests on record
| Date | Level | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 15, 1993 | 20.47 ft | 44,000 cfs |
| Feb 17, 1980 | 18.8 ft | 24,000 cfs |
| Feb 28, 1978 | 18.12 ft | 21,200 cfs |
More on Santa Margarita River
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