Potomac River near Washington DC (Little Falls)

The past week

What floods at each level

• 17 ft

  Water overflows the overlooks at Great Falls National Park and approaches the lower level of the visitors center. Most of the C&O Canal towpath downstream of Pennyfield is flooded. There is approximately a foot of water in the clubhouse on Sycamore Island.

• 16 ft

  Water reaches the clubhouse on Sycamore Island.

• 15 ft

  Most of the C&O Canal towpath from Pennyfield downstream is flooded.

• 14 ft

  Significant portions of the C&O Canal towpath are flooded. The Blockhouse Point Park is flooded. Water reaches the retaining wall at Overlook 1 at Great Falls National Park but does not overtop it.

• 12 ft

  The C&O Canal overflows at the Great Falls Tavern. Water covers the towpath in many areas.

• 11.5 ft

  Water covers the towpath in multiple spots between the Washington Aqueduct Dam and Pennyfield Lock, mileposts 15 to 19 on the C&O Canal.

• 11 ft

  Water covers the towpath between Swains Lock and Pennyfield Lock, mileposts 17 to 19 on the C&O Canal.

• 10 ft

  Water begins to overflow the banks into low lying areas on the Maryland side of the river near Little Falls. Water begins to enter the canoe shed at Sycamore Island.

• 9 ft

  Several trails on both sides of the river between Great Falls and the Chain Bridge are flooded and will be closed.

• 7 ft

  Upper portions of the River Trail at Great Falls National Park begin to flood and will be closed.

• 5.5 ft

  Water reaches the top of the ferry landing for Sycamore Island. Ferry service to the island will likely be suspended.

• 5 ft

  Portions of the Potomac Heritage Trail begin to flood. Water begins to affect portions of the Billy Goat Trail between Great Falls and Carderock. These trails will be closed.

• 4.5 ft

  The river reaches danger level for boaters, as defined by the State of Maryland. Conditions for boating will be 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 will be experienced.

Highest crests on record

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