Major Flood
13 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
10 ft
Minor Flood
7 ft
Action Stage
6 ft
What Floods at Each Level
13 ft
Expect major widespread flooding of homes and businesses in area around the mouth of the Red Cedar along Sprint, Hazel, Elm, South, Clear, River, Cedar, and Beech Streets. Apartments flooded on South Washington and East Main Street. Kellogg Center, Armstrong Hall, Bailey Hall, Van Hoosen Hall, Chapel, Emmons Hall, and University Village impacted by high water.
12 ft
Expect moderate flooding of Jenison Fieldhouse, Intramural Sports Circle, Demonstration Hall on the Michigan State University campus. University Village begins to be impacted by flood waters.
11.5 ft
Expect moderate widespread flooding of homes and businesses in the Kalamazoo and Clippert Street, South Street, and Cedar and Beech Street areas of Lansing.
10.5 ft
Expect moderate flooding of homes and businesses in the Cedar and Beech Streets area, South Street, and 1.5 miles downstream of gage site.
10 ft
Jenison Fieldhouse, Intramural Sports Circle, Demonstration Hall on the Michigan State University campus impacted by flood water.
9 ft
Jenison Fieldhouse and Intramural Sports Circle on the Michigan State University begin to get impacted by flood water.
8.5 ft
Minor flooding of farmland, Michigan State University athletic fields, and secondary roads.
8 ft
The Potter Park Zoo parking lot in Lansing begins to flood.
7 ft
Expect minor flooding of low lying areas, adjacent parks, and farmland.
6.5 ft
Water begins to encroach on some Michigan State University athletic fields.
6 ft
River reaches bankfull and low lying areas flood.
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 23, 1904 | 13.4 ft | 8,000 cfs |
| Apr 19, 1975 | 11.95 ft | 5,940 cfs |
| Apr 6, 1947 | 11.58 ft | 5,920 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
ELNM4
River
Red Cedar River
County
Ingham, MI
Coordinates
42.7273°N, 84.4780°W
Get Flood Alerts for Red Cedar 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 Red Cedar River at East Lansing?
The Red Cedar River at East Lansing gauge is maintained by USGS (site 04112500) 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 Red Cedar River at East Lansing?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Red Cedar River at East Lansing is 7 feet. Action stage begins at 6 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 10 feet, and major flooding at 13 feet.
How do I get alerts when Red Cedar River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Red Cedar River at East Lansing 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 Red Cedar River at East Lansing gauge located?
The gauge is located in Ingham County, Michigan at coordinates 42.7273°N, 84.4780°W. USGS site number: 04112500. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Red Cedar River
On This River
Upstream: Red Cedar River near Williamston
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 24 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.
- River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 48 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.
- Stage may be affected by ice during winter months.