Major Flood
21 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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This is an NWS forecast point (LID: SHNO3). Live data may be limited. View on NWS AHPS →
FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
18 ft
Minor Flood
15.5 ft
Action Stage
14.5 ft
What Floods at Each Level
23 ft
expect major flooding, especially near Kalama Washington. This river level historically nears the tops of several levees along the Columbia and Lewis Rivers.
21 ft
expect major flooding near St. Helens Oregon and Kalama Washington, along with widespread flooding of lowland agricultural areas.
19 ft
expect widespread lowland flooding. Levee watches have historically been in effect at this and higher stages for Bachelor Island and locations near Lewis River confluence.
17 ft
expect flooding of low lying farmland to begin. Levee watches along the Lewis River historically have been in effect at this level.
15.5 ft
expect flooding of low areas along the Columbia.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 13, 1948 | 27.1 ft | — |
| Dec 24, 1964 | 24 ft | — |
| Jun 4, 1956 | 23.2 ft | — |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
SHNO3
River
Columbia River
County
Columbia, OR
Coordinates
45.8636°N, 122.7962°W
Get Flood Alerts for Columbia 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 Columbia River at St. Helens?
The Columbia River at St. Helens gauge is maintained by USGS 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 Columbia River at St. Helens?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Columbia River at St. Helens is 15.5 feet. Action stage begins at 14.5 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 18 feet, and major flooding at 21 feet.
How do I get alerts when Columbia River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Columbia River at St. Helens 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 Columbia River at St. Helens gauge located?
The gauge is located in Columbia County, Oregon at coordinates 45.8636°N, 122.7962°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: NOAA National Ocean Service