Nueces River at Cotulla
Texas — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in La Salle County, Texas on the Nueces River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 08194000, 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
17 ft
Moderate Flood
15 ft
Minor Flood
15 ft
Action Stage
9 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
38 ft
The base of us Highway 81 bridge is flooded.
20 ft
Major and massive lowland flooding occurs. Evacuations of livestock and a few residential properties along the river required. Many roads near the river will flood, including FM 3408 from I-35, Valley Wells Road, the frontage road near mile marker 67. Flooding also occurs on Dobie Road including in and around Highway 624. FM 624 also floods south of Highway 97 toward Fowlerton.
18 ft
Major widespread lowland flooding occurs, and many cattle have to be evacuated. Many roads near the river begin or are near flood, including FM 3408 from I-35, Valley Wells Road, the frontage road at mile marker 67. Flooding occurs on portions of Dobie Road including in and around Highway 624, and South of Highway 97.
17 ft
Major lowland flooding above Cotulla to below Tilden. Irrigation equipment, oil well pump jacks and tank batteries, hunting cabins and livestock cut off in wide areas of the flood plain.
15 ft
Moderate lowland flooding occurs. The peripheral channels between Cotulla and Tilden cut off areas of the flood plain, and isolate or drown cattle. Irrigation pumps, oil field tanks, and hunting cabins are flooded near the river.
12 ft
Overbank conditions occur as the flow reaches low areas of the flood plain. The river overbanks the flow in marshy land downstream, and cuts off areas of the flood plain. Some livestock are potentially affected downstream.
9 ft
The river flows over its banks in the marshy land downstream, and cuts off areas of the flood plain. Some livestock are potentially affected downstream.
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 17, 1935 | 32.4 ft | 82,600 cfs |
| Jun 17, 1935 | 32.4 ft | 82,600 cfs |
| Jun 18, 1999 | 29.7 ft | — |
| Jun 18, 1999 | 29.7 ft | — |
| Jun 16, 1981 | 23.2 ft | 23,000 cfs |
About This Gauge
Get Flood Alerts for Nueces 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 Nueces River at Cotulla?
The Nueces River at Cotulla gauge is maintained by USGS (site 08194000) 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 Nueces River at Cotulla?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Nueces River at Cotulla is 15 feet. Action stage begins at 9 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 15 feet, and major flooding at 17 feet.
How do I get alerts when Nueces River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Nueces River at Cotulla 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 Nueces River at Cotulla gauge located?
The gauge is located in La Salle County, Texas at coordinates 28.4261°N, 99.2397°W. USGS site number: 08194000. 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.