Potomac River at Edwards Ferry
Maryland — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Montgomery County, Maryland on the Potomac River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 01644148, 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
24 ft
Moderate Flood
17 ft
Minor Flood
15 ft
Action Stage
12.25 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
28 ft
Tchiffely Mill Road begins to flood due to backwater effects. Most of the C&O Canal towpath is flooded.
26 ft
Water covers the lock at Edwards Ferry. The access road to Violettes Lock is flooded.
24 ft
Water reaches the first floor ceiling at Whites Ferry store. Significant portions of the C&O Canal towpath are flooded. Backwater flooding is affecting homes on the Loudoun County side of the river near Broad Run in Sterling.
20 ft
The basements of the Edwards Ferry Lockhouse and Rileys Lockhouse are flooded. Backwater flooding may affect homes on the Loudoun County side of the river near Broad Run in Sterling.
18.5 ft
The parking lot at Edwards Ferry is completely covered by water. The parking lot at Seneca is partially flooded.
17 ft
Floodwaters begin to enter the store at Whites Ferry.
15 ft
Water reaches the boat ramp and lower parking area at Edwards Ferry, and begins to inundate areas near Whites Ferry.
14.7 ft
The Chisel Branch Hiker/Biker Campsite near the C&O Canal trail starts flooding.
12.25 ft
Water reaches the Whites Ferry area. Ferry service may be suspended.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 4, 2018 | 22.45 ft | — |
| Jun 4, 2018 | 22.45 ft | — |
| Sep 29, 2018 | 21.8 ft | — |
| Sep 29, 2018 | 21.8 ft | — |
| Sep 29, 2018 | 21.57 ft | — |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
EDFM2
River
Potomac River
County
Montgomery, MD
Coordinates
39.0986°N, 77.4711°W
Get Flood Alerts for 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 Potomac River at Edwards Ferry?
The Potomac River at Edwards Ferry gauge is maintained by USGS (site 01644148) 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 Potomac River at Edwards Ferry?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Potomac River at Edwards Ferry is 15 feet. Action stage begins at 12.25 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 17 feet, and major flooding at 24 feet.
How do I get alerts when Potomac River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Potomac River at Edwards Ferry 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 Potomac River at Edwards Ferry gauge located?
The gauge is located in Montgomery County, Maryland at coordinates 39.0986°N, 77.4711°W. USGS site number: 01644148. 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
- Stage may be affected by ice.