Rio Grande at Johnson Ranch
Texas — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Brewster County, Texas on the Rio Grande. Live water level data from USGS, updated every 15 minutes.
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: TELT2). Live data may be limited. View on NWS AHPS →
Flood Stages
Major Flood
19 ft
Moderate Flood
17 ft
Minor Flood
15 ft
Action Stage
12 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
28.4 ft
the river reaches record stage (1978). Major flooding begins upstream in Cottonwood Campground at Castolon. Most park roads near the river flood.
19 ft
the river reaches major flood stage. Flooding begins to occur upstream in Cottonwood Campground at Castolon, as stages at each location are practically synonymous. Moderate lowland flooding begins at the gage site, but no damage occurs. The gage is inaccessible, as River Road is impassable at several locations.
15 ft
flood stage is reached. Moderate lowland flooding begins. Roads that lead to Cottonwood Campground and River Road may flood. Stages are practically synonymous with the gage at Cottonwood Campground at Castolon (CSTT2), and therefore represent the reach from Santa Elena Canyon through Cottonwood Campground, where damage may occur. Cattle also graze in the lowlands, and may be threatened.
12 ft
the river reaches bankfull, minor lowland flooding occurs, and no significant damage is expected.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 29, 1978 | 28.4 ft | 71,900 cfs |
| Sep 29, 1978 | 28.4 ft | 71,900 cfs |
| Sep 20, 2008 | 27.27 ft | 25,533 cfs |
| Sep 20, 2008 | 27.27 ft | 25,533 cfs |
| Oct 3, 1990 | 26.38 ft | 60,741 cfs |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
TELT2
River
Rio Grande
County
Brewster, TX
Coordinates
29.0350°N, 103.3908°W
Get Flood Alerts for Rio Grande
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 Rio Grande at Johnson Ranch?
The Rio Grande at Johnson Ranch 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 Rio Grande at Johnson Ranch?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Rio Grande at Johnson Ranch is 15 feet. Action stage begins at 12 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 17 feet, and major flooding at 19 feet.
How do I get alerts when Rio Grande rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Rio Grande at Johnson Ranch 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 Rio Grande at Johnson Ranch gauge located?
The gauge is located in Brewster County, Texas at coordinates 29.0350°N, 103.3908°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Rio Grande
On This River
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: Intl Boundary & Water Commission
- River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 12 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.