Major Flood
74 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
69 ft
Minor Flood
63 ft
Action Stage
56 ft
Low-Water Impacts
29 kcfs
The extent of connected aquatic floodplain habitat increases substantially at flows above 29,000.
21 kcfs
Releases to the Apalachicola River approximate or exceed inflows into the basin whenever basin inflows approached 21,000 cfs or lower during the Gulf Sturgeon spawning period.
15 kcfs
Most Tupelo-Cypress swamps in nontidal reaches of the annual floodplain are exposed and no longer inundated at 15,000 cfs. Inundation in wetland forests March-May is important habitat for the primary fish spawning season, and also maintains healthy forest structure and species composition in swamps. Extent/reach: Approx. 19,000 acres of Tupelo-Cypress swamps bordering 57 miles of river (mile 21-78).
13 kcfs
Barges and large boats cannot navigate the river (at Blountstown gage of 6 feet or lower, which is approximately equivalent to 13,000 cfs at Chattahoochee gage). Reach: Upper 86 miles (mile 21-107), especially at problems reaches (e.g. near Corley Slough).
11 kcfs
Flow needed to provide sufficient depths at tributary mouths for fish to move between the tributaries and main channel.
10 kcfs
About half of all streams and sloughs in nontidal floodplain become impassable at 10,000 cfs, blocking access from main stem to floodplain for fish, fisherman, and hunters. Extent/reach: Floodplain streams, sloughs, and lakes along 86 river miles (mile 21-107).
9 kcfs
In some areas of the estuary, salinity levels increase to intolerable or lethal levels for estuarine biota (oysters, submerged aquatic vegetations, benthic invertebrates, etc). Extent/reach: Nearly 100 miles of brackish-water streams in the lower Apalachicola River and distributaries, plus approx. 110,000 acres of bays and sounds in the Apalachicola Bay system.
8 kcfs
Low flow operations protocol implemented when flows approached levels less than 8,000 cfs to minimize impacts to mussel species.
6 kcfs
More than 85% of all streams and sloughs in nontidal floodplain become impassable at 6,000 cfs, blocking access from main stem to floodplain for fish, fisherman, and hunters. Extent/reach: Floodplain streams, sloughs, and lakes along 86 river miles (mile 20-106). In many areas of the estuary, salinity levels increase to intolerable or lethal levels for estuarine biota (oysters, submerged aquatic vegetations, benthic invertebrates, etc). Extent/reach: Nearly 100 miles of brackish-water streams in the lower Apalachicola River and distributaries, plus approx. 110,000 acres of bays and sounds in the Apalachicola Bay system.
5.6 kcfs
Level needed for the Swift Slough to remain minimally connected to the river. Dissolved oxygen declines to lethal levels.
5.0 kcfs
Minimum flow from Woodruff Dam. Swift Slough is disconnected from the main stem of the Apalachicola River
What happens as water levels drop, per the National Weather Service.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 11, 1998 | 76.56 ft | 229,000 cfs |
| Jul 9, 1994 | 76.21 ft | 206,000 cfs |
| Mar 20, 1990 | 74.04 ft | 181,000 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
CHAF1
River
Apalachicola River
County
Jackson, FL
Coordinates
30.7008°N, 84.8592°W
Get Flood Alerts for Apalachicola 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 Apalachicola River at Chattahoochee?
The Apalachicola River at Chattahoochee gauge is maintained by USGS (site 02358000) 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 Apalachicola River at Chattahoochee?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Apalachicola River at Chattahoochee is 63 feet. Action stage begins at 56 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 69 feet, and major flooding at 74 feet.
How do I get alerts when Apalachicola River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Apalachicola River at Chattahoochee to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category.
Where is the Apalachicola River at Chattahoochee gauge located?
The gauge is located in Jackson County, Florida at coordinates 30.7008°N, 84.8592°W. USGS site number: 02358000. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Apalachicola River
On This River
Upstream: Apalachicola River at Woodruff Dam (in NGVD29)
Downstream: Apalachicola River near Blountstown
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey