Olentangy River near Worthington
Ohio — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Franklin County, Ohio on the Olentangy River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 03226800, updated every 15 minutes.
Current Water Level
Gage Height
Loading...
Streamflow
Loading...
Last Reading
Loading...
Flood Stages
Major Flood
15 ft
Moderate Flood
13 ft
Minor Flood
11 ft
Action Stage
8 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
18.5 ft
This would roughly equal the FEMA 500 year or 0.2 percent flood event. Significant flooding of homes on Plumtree and Edgecliff Drives in Mount Air occurs east of Route 315, with the Powell Waste Water Treatment Plant in southern Delaware County also flooded. Substantial flooding occurs along Rivers Edge Drive and Mount Air Place. Flooding would occur on The Ohio State campus, from along and north of Herrick Drive to Woody Hayes Drive, in areas west of Tuttle Park Place.
18 ft
Widespread flooding occurs in sections of Worthington near the river, with homes flooded along Edgecliff and Plumtree Drives in Mount Air. Some flooding begins at the Powell Waste Water Treatment Plant.
17 ft
This is above the FEMA 1 percent flood. Homes flood along Rosslyn and Kanawha Avenues and Tucker Drive in Worthington, with severe flooding along Edgecliff and Plumtree Drives in Mount Air, and along Olentangy River Road in Powell. Much of Olentangy Park and the bike trail are flooded. Flooding extends onto the back of properties along Masefield Street. The OhioHealth Primary Care facility also floods, with water also approaching the Powell Waste Water Treatment Plant. Whetstone High School may also flood.
15 ft
Homes in Mt. Air are severely flooded along Edgecliff and Plumtree Drives close to the river, with Olentangy River Road flooded in areas from near Hyatts Road to Jewett Road. Flooding worsens near Worthington near Olentangy Park and along the bike trail.
13 ft
Several homes along Edgecliff Drive in Mt. Air flood, and flooding worsens in low areas along the Olentangy River in Mount Air, and lowland areas near the river in Worthington experience flooding. Olentangy River Road near Powell also is flooded, with backwater flooding also affecting some side streets onto Olentangy River Road. Flooding in and near Worthington is confined to Olentangy Park and along the bike trail.
12 ft
Homes along Edgecliff Drive in Mt. Air flood, as well as the playground of Olentangy Park. Olentangy River Road is flooded and impassible from near Powell Road to near Jewett Road.
11 ft
Floodwater surrounds homes along Edgecliff Drive, as well as Plum Tree Drive in Worthington, cutting off residents.
10 ft
Flood waters approach residences along the river in Mount Air, between Olentangy River Road and the river itself.
9 ft
Flooding spreads further into yards of homes near the river in Mount Air, between Olentangy River Road and the river.
8 ft
Flooding of yards begins along the Olentangy River near Mount Air in northern Franklin County, only in low-lying areas between Olentangy River Road and the river.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
Loading chart data...
Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 20, 1959 | 15.68 ft | 16,500 cfs |
| Jan 20, 1959 | 15.68 ft | 16,500 cfs |
| Jan 9, 1952 | 15.3 ft | 15,100 cfs |
| Jan 9, 1952 | 15.3 ft | 15,100 cfs |
| May 19, 2020 | 13.57 ft | 12,269 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
WRTO1
River
Olentangy River
County
Franklin, OH
Coordinates
40.1103°N, 83.0319°W
Get Flood Alerts for Olentangy 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 Olentangy River near Worthington?
The Olentangy River near Worthington gauge is maintained by USGS (site 03226800) 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 Olentangy River near Worthington?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Olentangy River near Worthington is 11 feet. Action stage begins at 8 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 13 feet, and major flooding at 15 feet.
How do I get alerts when Olentangy River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Olentangy River near Worthington 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 Olentangy River near Worthington gauge located?
The gauge is located in Franklin County, Ohio at coordinates 40.1103°N, 83.0319°W. USGS site number: 03226800. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Olentangy River
On This River
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Stage may be affected by ice.
- 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.