Major Flood
35 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
33 ft
Minor Flood
25 ft
Action Stage
21 ft
What Floods at Each Level
56 ft
Water approaches the highest point on Main Street.
46 ft
Water floods the railroad depot.
45 ft
Floodwater isolates the town of Hancock.
40 ft
Water floods 25 to 30 homes along the West Virginia side of the river just downstream from Hancock, and at least another 20 to 30 in Hancock itself.
35 ft
Water inundates 20 to 30 homes and 5 or more businesses in the west end of Hancock.
33 ft
Water floods low spots on East Main Street in Hancock.
31 ft
Water begins to flood low spots of West Main Street in Hancock.
30 ft
Water begins to inundate homes and business in Hancock. Water covers the road to the maintenance shop for the National Park Service near Hancock. The west end of the Potomac Airpark runway begins to flood.
28 ft
Water begins to inundate some yards on the west end of Hancock. Water also begins to collect on the west end of the CSX Railyard on the West Virginia side.
25 ft
Water may begin to inundate low points of the CSX Railroad tracks on the West Virginia side of the river due to backwater. Additionally, access to Potomac Airpark may be restricted due to backwater. Water reaches the top of the Hancock boat ramp and begins to spill over into the adjacent parking lot.
24 ft
Water begins to overflow into low lying areas.
21 ft
The boat ramp at Four Locks is covered by water. Half the parking lot there is also covered.
18.5 ft
Water enters the canal prism and blocks the towpath at MP 106.
7.5 ft
The river is at danger level for boaters as defined by the State of Maryland. At these levels, conditions are extremely hazardous.
3.5 ft
The river reaches caution level for boaters as defined by the State of Maryland. Fast moving water and changing currents can be expected.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 18, 1936 | 47.6 ft | 340,000 cfs |
| Nov 6, 1985 | 41.2 ft | 207,000 cfs |
| May 31, 1889 | 40 ft | 220,000 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
HNKM2
River
Potomac River
County
Washington, MD
Coordinates
39.6975°N, 78.1778°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 Hancock?
The Potomac River at Hancock gauge is maintained by USGS (site 01613000) 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 Hancock?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Potomac River at Hancock is 25 feet. Action stage begins at 21 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 33 feet, and major flooding at 35 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 Hancock 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 Potomac River at Hancock gauge located?
The gauge is located in Washington County, Maryland at coordinates 39.6975°N, 78.1778°W. USGS site number: 01613000. 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.