Major Flood
15 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
12.5 ft
Minor Flood
10.5 ft
Action Stage
9 ft
What Floods at Each Level
20 ft
Water overtops the railroad bridges at the old paper mill.
17 ft
Levees protect the old paper mill at Luke up to approximately this level. If water reaches the top of the levee, water may affect structures.
16 ft
Water reaches the railroad tracks in the town of Westernport.
15 ft
Significant flooding is occurring in Westernport and Piedmont, with buildings and roads flooded.
13.5 ft
Maryland Route 135 begins to flood west of the town of Luke. Water also reaches the underside of railroad bridges near the old paper mill.
12.5 ft
Backwater from the Potomac begins to flood the town of Westernport. Portions of Maryland Route 135 east of downtown may be affected, and water will approach Westernport Elementary School. This flooding will be more severe if Georges Creek is also in flood.
12 ft
Floodwaters begin to affect portions of Piedmont, West Virginia.
10.5 ft
If water levels are elevated on Georges Creek, a combination of the creek and backwater from the Potomac will begin to flood the town of Westernport. Portions of Maryland Route 135 may be affected, and water will approach Westernport Elementary School.
7 ft
Water begins to flow over the dam near the old paper mill in Luke. No flooding is occurring.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 14, 1954 | 17.15 ft | 39,400 cfs |
| Mar 24, 1924 | 17 ft | 51,000 cfs |
| Mar 16, 1936 | 16.76 ft | 37,400 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
LUKM2
River
North Branch Potomac River
County
Allegany, MD
Coordinates
39.4789°N, 79.0639°W
Get Flood Alerts for North Branch Potomac 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 North Branch Potomac River at Luke?
The North Branch Potomac River at Luke gauge is maintained by USGS (site 01598500) 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 North Branch Potomac River at Luke?
The NWS-defined flood stage for North Branch Potomac River at Luke is 10.5 feet. Action stage begins at 9 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 12.5 feet, and major flooding at 15 feet.
How do I get alerts when North Branch Potomac River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add North Branch Potomac River at Luke 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 North Branch Potomac River at Luke gauge located?
The gauge is located in Allegany County, Maryland at coordinates 39.4789°N, 79.0639°W. USGS site number: 01598500. 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
- Gauge reading affected by reservoir operations.
- Stage may be affected by ice.