Ohio River at Portsmouth
Ohio — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Scioto County, Ohio on the Ohio River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 03217200, 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
66 ft
Moderate Flood
57 ft
Minor Flood
50 ft
Action Stage
35 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
74.23 ft
This flood will exceed the highest stage on record. Widespread damage occurs. Backwater flooding along the Scioto River produces additional damage to homes, farms and businesses. Most of the City of Portsmouth is protected to a stage of 77 feet by the flood walls. Inundation of homes and businesses east of Portsmouth and elsewhere along the Ohio River within Scioto County occurs.
72 ft
Major flooding occurs in Wheelersburg, with hundreds of homes and businesses along Route 52 flooded. Backwater flooding inundates nearly all of Garrison, Vanceburg, and Buena Vista Ohio. Low areas of West Portsmouth flood, with backwater route 104 flooded in some stretches.
66 ft
This is approximately the FEMA 1 percent flood. Route 52 is under water through much of the region, with homes flooded along 52 and between 52 and the river. Backwater flooding also affects low areas of Friendship and West Portsmouth, Ohio. Structures in the bottom land of Kentucky between Route 8 and the river flood. Backwater flooding up Kinney Creek floods low areas near Garrison KY, with nearly all of Vanceburg flooded.
62 ft
Water rises onto the east end of the Scioto River Bridge, and significant flooding occurs in many areas outside of Portsmouth in Scioto and Adams Counties along the Ohio River. Areas hardest hit include South Portsmouth, Fullerton and low-lying areas near Friendship.
60 ft
The low area along Main Street in Fullerton, Ohio becomes flooded. More homes are affected by flood waters in South Portsmouth. Long stretches of Route 52 are flooded.
56 ft
Flooding through Scioto County continues, with water entering lower levels of homes in Fullerton. Portions of Route 52 are closed due to flooding.
55 ft
Backwater flooding affects portions of Sciotoville, New Boston and other sections outside of the flood wall area. Backwater flooding along Pond Creek near West Portsmouth floods some county roads.
53 ft
Backwater flooding on tributaries occurs, with low lying impacts and flooding of some county roads. Riverfront homes near Shannoah Lane near Ziegler Lane become surrounded by water with some homes flooded by several feet of water.
51 ft
Low-lying flooding occurs along the southern border of Scioto County, as well as in South Portsmouth. Routes 73 and 239 are closed near the Ohio River. Much of Portsmouth itself is protected by flood walls.
50 ft
Lowland flooding affects southern Scioto County. Backwater flooding occurs into the Scioto River, as well as along smaller creeks flowing into the Ohio River. Flood waters expand across route 73, as well as State Route 239. Much of Portsmouth itself is protected by flood walls.
49 ft
Lowland flooding affects southern Scioto County. Backwater flooding begins into the Scioto River, as well as along smaller creeks and streams. State Route 73 is closed near the river.
42 ft
Lane restrictions and closings occur at the ramp to west Route 52 from State Route 239, with flooding possibly made worse if the Scioto River is also flooded. High water also affects eastbound Route 73 between Second Street and Route 852.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 26, 1937 | 74.23 ft | — |
| Jan 26, 1937 | 74.23 ft | — |
| Mar 31, 1913 | 67.9 ft | — |
| Mar 31, 1913 | 67.9 ft | — |
| Feb 11, 1884 | 66.26 ft | — |
About This Gauge
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Ohio River at Portsmouth?
The Ohio River at Portsmouth gauge is maintained by USGS (site 03217200) 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 Ohio River at Portsmouth?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Ohio River at Portsmouth is 50 feet. Action stage begins at 35 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 57 feet, and major flooding at 66 feet.
How do I get alerts when Ohio River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Ohio River at Portsmouth 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 Ohio River at Portsmouth gauge located?
The gauge is located in Scioto County, Ohio at coordinates 38.7291°N, 82.9969°W. USGS site number: 03217200. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- River Forecasts typically include ONLY 2 days of future rain from <u>forecast issuance time</u> (lower right of graph). Occasionally 3 days of future rain included.