Major Flood
5 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
4 ft
Minor Flood
3 ft
What Floods at Each Level
7.34 ft
(Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW)) The level reached on October 29, 2012 during Post Tropical Cyclone Sandy.
5 ft
(MLLW) MAJOR FLOODING. At this level, flooding starts to become severe enough to begin causing structural damage along with widespread flooding of roadways in Stafford Township, Surf City, Ship Bottom, Brant Beach, Beach Haven and nearby communities. Vulverable homes and businesses may be severely damaged as water levels rise further above this threshold. Numerous roads become impassable and some neighborhoods may be isolated. The flood waters become a danger to anyone who attempts to cross them.
4 ft
(MLLW) MODERATE FLOODING. At this level, widespread flooding of roadways begins with many roads becoming impassable in Stafford Township, Surf City, Ship Bottom, Brant Beach, Beach Haven and nearby communities. Lives may be at risk when people put themselves in harm's way. Some damage to vulnerable structures may begin to occur. COASTAL FLOOD WARNING LEVEL.
3.8 ft
(MLLW) Extensive flooding begins on Long Beach Boulevard from Ship Bottom to Beach Haven.
3.6 ft
(MLLW) Flooding begins on Barnegat Avenue and Central Avenue in Surf City and Ship Bottom.
3.4 ft
(MLLW) Flooding begins at the east end of the NJ Route 72 bridge in Ship Bottom.
3.3 ft
(MLLW) COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY LEVEL.
3.2 ft
(MLLW) Flooding begins along local roads in Stafford Township (Beach Haven West and Cedar Bonnets Islands). Bayside flooding begins in Surf City, Ship Bottom and in the communities on the south half of Long Beach Island (including Beach Haven).
3 ft
(MLLW) MINOR FLOODING.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 28, 2012 | 7.34 ft | — |
| Oct 12, 2025 | 4.82 ft | — |
| Feb 1, 2021 | 4.7 ft | — |
About This Gauge
Get Flood Alerts for Manahawkin Bay
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 Manahawkin Bay at Ship Bottom (IN MLLW)?
The Manahawkin Bay at Ship Bottom (IN MLLW) gauge is maintained by USGS (site 01409146) 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 Manahawkin Bay at Ship Bottom (IN MLLW)?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Manahawkin Bay at Ship Bottom (IN MLLW) is 3 feet. Action stage begins at N/A feet. Moderate flooding starts at 4 feet, and major flooding at 5 feet.
How do I get alerts when Manahawkin Bay rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Manahawkin Bay at Ship Bottom (IN MLLW) 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 Manahawkin Bay at Ship Bottom (IN MLLW) gauge located?
The gauge is located in Ocean County, New Jersey at coordinates 39.6542°N, 74.1858°W. USGS site number: 01409146. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- <style type="text/css"> .style1 {background-color: #FFFF00;}</style>Please refer to our <style type="text/css"> .style1 { background-color: #FFFF00;} .style2 {background-color: #FFFF00;} </style> <a href="http://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=PHI&product=CFW&format=CI&version=1&glossary=0"> <span class="style1">Coastal Hazard Message</span></a> for specific information regarding Coastal Flood Watches, Warnings and Advisories. During tropical cyclones, please refer<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=PHI&product=TCV&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1"> <span class="style2">here</span></a> for additional storm surge information.
- Flood impacts are based on long-term averages. Actual impacts from any tidal flooding event may vary due to factors such as rainfall, wave action, and the number of tide cycles during which there is an onshore flow.