Major Flood
27 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
20 ft
Minor Flood
16 ft
Action Stage
11 ft
What Floods at Each Level
40 ft
Water reaches the lowest portion of the city of Brunswick, above the railroad tracks.
35 ft
The MARC station in Point of Rocks is flooded. At least two feet of water covers much of Maryland State Route 28 in the city. Water begins to enter homes and businesses in Point of Rocks along Route 28.
32 ft
Water covers Maryland State Route 28 in Point of Rocks near the MARC station.
31 ft
Water reaches the MARC parking lot at Brunswick.
30 ft
Water reaches a home on the Loudoun County side of the river near Point of Rocks. Water also reaches the Brunswick train yard and covers portions of the MARC parking lot at Point of Rocks, and covers Old Commerce Street in Point of Rocks.
29 ft
Water completely covers the comfort station at the Point of Rocks boat ramp.
27 ft
Water covers a large section of the C&O Canal towpath in Frederick County, Maryland. Water also reaches the railroad tracks at Point of Rocks.
25 ft
Water reaches outbuildings on the Loudoun County side of the river near Point of Rocks.
23 ft
Floodwaters completely cover the comfort station at the Brunswick boat ramp, and reach the comfort station at the Point of Rocks boat ramp. The upper parking lot at the Point of Rocks boat ramp begins to flood.
22 ft
Water begins to cover the C&O Canal towpath near Point of Rocks and Brunswick.
20 ft
The boat ramp and lower parking lot at Point of Rocks are flooded. Water approaches the water treatment plant in Brunswick. Farmland behind the Tarara Vineyard is flooded.
18 ft
Water approaches structures at the Brunswick campground.
17 ft
Water enters the comfort station at the Brunswick boat ramp parking area.
16 ft
The parking lots at both the McKimmey and Brunswick boat ramps begin to flood. Flooding of an agricultural field adjacent to the McKimmey boat ramp is occurring. About half the lower parking lot of the Point of Rocks boat ramp is also flooded.
15 ft
Several lowland forested areas, mainly on islands, begin to flood.
14 ft
Water completely covers the Nolands Ferry boat ramp and begins to flood the parking lot nearby.
13 ft
Water begins to cover low lying areas within the Brunswick campground.
12.5 ft
The Point of Rocks boat ramp is completely covered by water, and water begins to affect the lower parking lot nearby.
11 ft
Water covers the parking lot of the Lander boat ramp. Campers and other recreational interests should begin to move away from the river.
5.5 ft
The river reaches danger level for boaters, as defined by the State of Maryland. Conditions are extremely hazardous.
2 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 | 41.03 ft | 480,000 cfs |
| Oct 15, 1942 | 40.43 ft | 418,000 cfs |
| Jun 1, 1889 | 40.2 ft | 460,000 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
PORM2
River
Potomac River
County
Frederick, MD
Coordinates
39.2736°N, 77.5431°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 Point of Rocks?
The Potomac River at Point of Rocks gauge is maintained by USGS (site 01638500) 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 Point of Rocks?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Potomac River at Point of Rocks is 16 feet. Action stage begins at 11 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 20 feet, and major flooding at 27 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 Point of Rocks 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 Point of Rocks gauge located?
The gauge is located in Frederick County, Maryland at coordinates 39.2736°N, 77.5431°W. USGS site number: 01638500. 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.