Major Flood
32 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
30 ft
Minor Flood
28 ft
Action Stage
21.2 ft
What Floods at Each Level
37 ft
Keizer begins to flood. Also expect major widespread flooding from Santiam confluence to Oregon City.
35 ft
numerous roads and structures are flooded. The Willamette River also backs up water from tributary streams and creeks, which in turn produces flooding of residential neighborhoods along these creeks in Salem and Keizer.
32 ft
expect widespread flooding. Numerous roads and structures in the Salem/Keizer vicinity are flooded. The Willow Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant is likely flooded at this level.
30 ft
expect widespread flooding of lowland agricultural areas and rural and secondary roads. Also expect flooding along some creeks which drain into the Willamette in and near Salem due to backwater from the Willamette. The Willow Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant is threatened with flood water above this level.
28 ft
widespread lowland flooding begins along the banks of the Willamette and islands on the mid Willamette, such as Browns, Minto, and Windsor islands. Numerous secondary roads begin flooding at this point.
26 ft
expect flooding of numerous roads along the Willamette in the Salem area. Homes on Browns Island begin flooding at this level.
23 ft
minor flooding occurs on Grand Island and other islands in the mid Willamette River. Access roads to these islands are also likely flooded at this point.
20 ft
access roads to the islands on the Willamette River near Salem begin to flood.
18 ft
numerous sloughs are filled, and a few secondary roads begin to flood at this point.
15 ft
the Wheatland and Buena Vista ferries will likely cease operation due to safety concerns.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 3, 1861 | 47 ft | 500,000 cfs |
| Dec 3, 1891 | 47 ft | — |
| Feb 4, 1890 | 45.1 ft | 448,000 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
SLMO3
River
Willamette River
County
Marion, OR
Coordinates
44.9442°N, 123.0425°W
Get Flood Alerts for Willamette 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 Willamette River at Salem?
The Willamette River at Salem gauge is maintained by USGS (site 14191000) 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 Willamette River at Salem?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Willamette River at Salem is 28 feet. Action stage begins at 21.2 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 30 feet, and major flooding at 32 feet.
How do I get alerts when Willamette River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Willamette River at Salem 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 Willamette River at Salem gauge located?
The gauge is located in Marion County, Oregon at coordinates 44.9442°N, 123.0425°W. USGS site number: 14191000. 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