Medina River at Bandera
Texas — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Bandera County, Texas on the Medina River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 08178880, 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
24 ft
Moderate Flood
14 ft
Minor Flood
13 ft
Action Stage
10 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
29 ft
Disastrous life threatening flooding reaches the Highway 173 bridge floor in Bandera. All RV campsites at the Pioneer RV Park just below Highway 173 flood severely. Many homes at the upper end of Medina Lake flood, with the severity depending on flood storage in Medina Lake. Flow through the Medina Lake emergency spillway may flood homes downstream in Bexar County near LaCoste and Von Ormy.
27 ft
Disastrous flooding reaches the Pioneer RV Park at Highway 173 in Bandera and homes at the upper end of Medina Lake. Homes and businesses near the Medina River downstream in southern Bexar County should prepare for structural flooding. Flow is near the Highway 173 bridge floor at Bandera. Roads and bridges around Bandera County are severely flooded and dangerous to motorists.
25 ft
Numerous homes at the upper end of Medina Lake may flood severely depending on the Medina Lake level. Depending on the flood storage, flow over the Medina Lake emergency spillway may flood homes downstream near LaCoste and Somerset in Bexar County. All campsites in the Pioneer RV Park in Bandera flood and flow is within three feet of the Highway 173 bridge floor.
24 ft
Major flooding reaches the Pioneer RV park just below Highway 173 in Bandera. Many secondary and primary roads and bridges near the Medina River are flooded and very dangerous. Lowest homes at the upper end of Medina Lake flood, with the severity depending on the Medina Lake level.
22 ft
Severe flooding begins to threaten the Pioneer RV park. All RV's should be evacuated immediately. Homes at the upper end of Medina Lake will flood severely. Many roads and bridges in Bandera County will flood and are very dangerous.
20 ft
Flooding begins in the Pioneer RV Park at Highway 173 in Bandera. All RV's and campers should evacuate immediately before flooding cuts off the Pioneer RV Park. Flooding threatens many homes at the upper end of Medina Lake. Residents of flood prone areas should monitor NOAA Weather Radio for developing heavy rain and flooding and prepare to evacuate as emergency officials assess the threat. Roads and bridges across Bandera County are severely flooded and very dangerous.
18 ft
The second level of campsites flood at the Pioneer RV Park just below Highway 173 in Bandera. The lowest sites are under several feet of water. Secondary roads and low bridges flood near the Medina River and are dangerous to traffic. The lowest homes at the upper end of Medina Lake may flood depending on the level of Medina Lake.
17 ft
Moderate lowland flooding threatens the second level of trailer spaces at the Pioneer RV Park at Highway 173 in Bandera and homes at the upper end of Medina Lake. Lowest trailer sites at the Pioneer RV Park are under several feet of water.
15 ft
Moderate lowland flooding covers lowest parking sites at the Pioneer RV park in Bandera and is threatening the second level. Residents and people camping or renting properties adjacent to the river should monitor NOAA Weather Radio and social media outlets for developing heavy rain and flood conditions. Lowest homes at the upper end of Medina Lake are threatened if the lake is near spillway level.
12 ft
Water covers lowest areas of the flood plain with no significant damage. Residents of mobile home parks, the Pioneer RV Park and the upper end of Medina Lake should monitor NOAA Weather Radio for developing flood conditions.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 1, 1978 | 46.62 ft | 550,000 cfs |
| Aug 1, 1978 | 46.62 ft | 550,000 cfs |
| Jul 4, 2002 | 38.91 ft | 159,000 cfs |
| Jul 4, 2002 | 38.91 ft | 159,000 cfs |
| May 24, 2015 | 24.93 ft | 46,700 cfs |
About This Gauge
Get Flood Alerts for Medina 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 Medina River at Bandera?
The Medina River at Bandera gauge is maintained by USGS (site 08178880) 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 Medina River at Bandera?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Medina River at Bandera is 13 feet. Action stage begins at 10 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 14 feet, and major flooding at 24 feet.
How do I get alerts when Medina River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Medina River at Bandera 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 Medina River at Bandera gauge located?
The gauge is located in Bandera County, Texas at coordinates 29.7236°N, 99.0697°W. USGS site number: 08178880. 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
- River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 24 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.