Blanchard River at Findlay
Ohio — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Hancock County, Ohio on the Blanchard River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 04189000, updated every 15 minutes.
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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Flood Stages
Major Flood
14.5 ft
Moderate Flood
13.5 ft
Minor Flood
12 ft
Action Stage
9 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
24 ft
Gauge overtopped.
18.5 ft
High water mark of the 1913 and 2007 floods.
17.5 ft
Flooding can be expected from Westerfield Drive to County Road 236 along the Blanchard River. Flooding can also be expected along Eagle and Lye Creeks between State Route 15 and the Blanchard River. About three quarters of the city inundated.
17 ft
FEMA 0.2 percent flood level. Hundreds of properties along the Blanchard River and tributaries flooded.
16 ft
FEMA 1 percent flood level. Flood waters extend from West Main Cross Street near Interstate 75 ramp. Numerous properties between the river and West and East Cross Street impacted. Water extends further north of the river to Frazier Street, Broad Avenue, and Center Street. Blanchard River flood waters will combine with backwater from the Lye and Eagle Creeks.
15.5 ft
Several businesses impacted downtown, with many roads near the river closed. County Road 236 to State Route 568 inundated. The following streets are likely to be flooded, Main Cross Street from Western to Township Road 180, Broad Street, streets along Eagle Creek from Central to Rockside and streets along Lye Creek from Wedgewood to Strong Avenue.
15 ft
West Main Cross Street flooded and detours likely around downtown. East Main Cross Street impassable. Flood waters extending further north of the river on Blanchard Street to Center Street. Defiance Avenue through County Road 223 with water impacting the property of Wal Mart.
14.5 ft
Major flooding blocking Martin Luther King Parkway and Blanchard Avenue. Several other low lying roads flooded along the river. Travel in and out of the city becomes difficult.
14 ft
Flood waters impacting Martin Luther King Junior Parkway from Clinton Court to Blanchard Street. Backwater issues from the Lye and Eagle Creeks likely if those tributaries are also running high.
13.5 ft
Water impacts River Street and Apple Alley on the west side of Findlay, Blanchard Street between Sandusky and Main Cross, and several streets south of Clinton Court near Riverside Park.
13 ft
North Cory flooded from Washington to High Street including Meeks and Seneca Avenue. Roads south of Clinton Court flooded between South Blanchard Street and McManness Avenue. East Main Cross from Marcelle Avenue to Bright Road. County Road 236 near Little Red Schoolhouse to County Road 568.
12 ft
Flooding impacts areas near Riverside Park and East Main Cross Street in the City of Findlay. Flooding on County Road 223 and portions of Howard Street. Water approaching some properties on Liberty Street and Apple Alley.
11 ft
Minor flooding of a golf course near Country Club Drive.
10 ft
South River Road flooded from Broad Avenue to Stanford Parkway.
9 ft
River elevated and coming out of banks in a few low lying locations. Howard Street/County Road 223 flooded west of Broad Avenue near the Interstate 75 bridge to near backside of a shopping center.
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 25, 1913 | 18.5 ft | 22,000 cfs |
| Mar 25, 1913 | 18.5 ft | 22,000 cfs |
| Aug 22, 2007 | 18.46 ft | 15,649 cfs |
| Aug 22, 2007 | 18.46 ft | 15,649 cfs |
| Jun 13, 1981 | 17.43 ft | 13,000 cfs |
Flood Inundation Map
NOAA has mapped what areas flood at different water levels for this gauge. View the interactive flood inundation map →
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
FDYO1
River
Blanchard River
County
Hancock, OH
Coordinates
41.0558°N, 83.6881°W
Get Flood Alerts for Blanchard 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 Blanchard River at Findlay?
The Blanchard River at Findlay gauge is maintained by USGS (site 04189000) 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 Blanchard River at Findlay?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Blanchard River at Findlay is 12 feet. Action stage begins at 9 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 13.5 feet, and major flooding at 14.5 feet.
How do I get alerts when Blanchard River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Blanchard River at Findlay to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category — even when your screen is off.
Where is the Blanchard River at Findlay gauge located?
The gauge is located in Hancock County, Ohio at coordinates 41.0558°N, 83.6881°W. USGS site number: 04189000. 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