Big Blue River (IN) at Shelbyville
Indiana — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Shelby County, Indiana on the Big Blue River (IN). Live water level data from USGS gauge 03361500, updated every 15 minutes.
Current Water Level
Gage Height
Loading...
Streamflow
Loading...
Last Reading
Loading...
Flood Stages
Major Flood
18 ft
Moderate Flood
15 ft
Minor Flood
13 ft
Action Stage
9 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
23.9 ft
Low steel of Harrison Street Bridge over the Big Blue River at gaging site.
20 ft
Near record or record flooding is in progress. Major flooding causes substantial residential and business damage in Shelbyville.
19.5 ft
Maximum good reading before wellhouse is flooded.
18 ft
Major flood strikes Shelbyville.
17 ft
Extensive flooding along left bank affects business and residential property along Boggstown Road. Rural flooding of a few homes near CR 100N and Boggstown Road on April 21, 2011.
16.3 ft
Extensive flooding occurring along Big Blue River. Several residences in Shelbyville had water in their yards on March 6, 2011. One day later extensive flooding at mile marker 82.5 in the Edinburgh area. Several homes along Sugar Creek were evacuated when the level peaked at nine ft on the New Palestine gage one day earlier.
15 ft
High water affects trucking firm on Boggstown Road.
14 ft
Flooding begins to affect business and residential property. West Washington Avenue east of rendering plant begins to flood. In winter and spring, persons are not too concerned. This level is rather unusual for summer.
13.5 ft
Flooding affects Boggstown Road near sewage plant. Considerable flooding of agricultural fields south of Boggstown Road. Lowland flooding occurring along the Big Blue River in Johnson County.
13 ft
Flood Stage. Water reaches CR 425W. Some agricultural land and extremely low-lying areas like Bear Chase golf course are flooded.
12.5 ft
Right bank 50 feet upstream of gage site overflows.
12 ft
Lowland flooding begins in Sunset Park on left bank about one-half downstream of gage site. Water very near and may start flowing over Shelby CR 425W south of Shelby CR 50S and north of Shelby CR 100S.
11 ft
Flooding begins at Bear Chase Golf Course. Lowland flooding begins in Sunset Park located on left bank about one-half mile downstream of gage site. Flood waters in agricultural fields in SR 44 area.
9 ft
River is near bankfull and impairing sewage treatment operation. Some flooding is likely in southwest Shelby county.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
Loading chart data...
Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 27, 1913 | 20.2 ft | -9,999 cfs |
| Mar 27, 1913 | 20.2 ft | -9,999 cfs |
| Apr 6, 2025 | 19.98 ft | 21,570 cfs |
| Apr 6, 2025 | 19.98 ft | 21,570 cfs |
| Jan 6, 2005 | 18.43 ft | 15,200 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
SBVI3
River
Big Blue River (IN)
County
Shelby, IN
Coordinates
39.5292°N, 85.7775°W
Get Flood Alerts for Big Blue River (IN)
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 Big Blue River (IN) at Shelbyville?
The Big Blue River (IN) at Shelbyville gauge is maintained by USGS (site 03361500) 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 Big Blue River (IN) at Shelbyville?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Big Blue River (IN) at Shelbyville is 13 feet. Action stage begins at 9 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 15 feet, and major flooding at 18 feet.
How do I get alerts when Big Blue River (IN) rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Big Blue River (IN) at Shelbyville 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 Big Blue River (IN) at Shelbyville gauge located?
The gauge is located in Shelby County, Indiana at coordinates 39.5292°N, 85.7775°W. USGS site number: 03361500. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Big Blue River (IN)
On This River
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey