West Fork Carson River at Woodfords
California — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Alpine County, California on the West Fork Carson River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 10310000, 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
15 ft
5,316 cfs
Moderate Flood
14.5 ft
3,087 cfs
Minor Flood
13.5 ft
1,132 cfs
Action Stage
12.5 ft
530 cfs
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
15.5 ft
Disastrous, record flooding along entire reach of West Fork Carson River in both Alpine County, California, and Douglas County, Nevada. Extensive damage to homes, businesses, schools, roads, bridges, and irrigation systems. Communications, power, and transportation systems severely disrupted. Many highways, roads, and bridges impassable. Roughly Similar peak level to January 1997 event.
15 ft
Major Flooding. Substantial damage to homes, businesses, schools, and property in south Carson Valley from Centerville to Genoa. Many local roads flood including Centerville, Mottsville, and Muller Lanes. Interruption of power, communications, and water systems. Major flooding also in Alpine County, California, near Woodfords and Paynesville. CA Highways 89 and 88, and NV Highway 88 flood. Downstream Hwy 395 floods.
14.5 ft
Moderate flooding in southwest Carson Valley between Centerville and Genoa, with some damage to homes and businesses. Many local roads flooded in this area. Minor to moderate flooding in Alpine County, California, near Woodfords and Paynesville. Lane or road closures on Highway 395 north of Stephanie Way likely if combined with flood flows on the East Fork. Similar peak level to December 2005 event.
14 ft
Minor flooding in the southwestern Carson Valley between Centerville and Genoa,impacting agricultural areas, local roads, and outbuildings. Impacts will be more significant if heavy rain and/or snowmelt cause significant rises in small creeks draining the east side of the Carson Range below Woodfords. Possible lane closures on Highway 395 north of Stephanie Way if combined with flood flows on the East Fork. Similar peak level to January 2017 event and May 2017 peak snowmelt.
13.5 ft
Minor flooding begins in lowest areas along the West Fork of the Carson River in southwest Carson Valley including agricultural areas, local roads and outbuildings. Residents along the river should prepare for more serious flooding if there are additional rises expected due to snowmelt and/or rainfall runoff. Impacts will be more significant if heavy rain and/or snowmelt causes significant rises in small creeks draining the east side of the Carson Range below Woodfords. Similar to peak of Feb 2017 event.
12.5 ft
Monitoring Stage. No flooding occurs. However, residents along the West Fork Carson River should be prepared for flooding if there are additional rises expected due to snowmelt and/or rainfall runoff.
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 31, 1996 | 15.36 ft | 8,100 cfs |
| Dec 31, 1996 | 15.36 ft | 8,100 cfs |
| Jan 31, 1963 | 14.95 ft | 4,890 cfs |
| Jan 31, 1963 | 14.95 ft | 4,890 cfs |
| Dec 22, 1955 | 14.92 ft | 4,810 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
WOOC1
River
West Fork Carson River
County
Alpine, CA
Coordinates
38.7696°N, 119.8338°W
Get Flood Alerts for West Fork Carson 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 West Fork Carson River at Woodfords?
The West Fork Carson River at Woodfords gauge is maintained by USGS (site 10310000) 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 West Fork Carson River at Woodfords?
The NWS-defined flood stage for West Fork Carson River at Woodfords is 13.5 feet. Action stage begins at 12.5 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 14.5 feet, and major flooding at 15 feet.
How do I get alerts when West Fork Carson River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add West Fork Carson River at Woodfords 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 West Fork Carson River at Woodfords gauge located?
The gauge is located in Alpine County, California at coordinates 38.7696°N, 119.8338°W. USGS site number: 10310000. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
On This River
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- Stage may be affected by ice during winter months.
- Reported historic crests have been estimated using recent ratings due to previous channel, location and/or datum changes. USGS observed crests can be found at: waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt Please also see Additional Information tab at the bottom of this page.