San Marcos River at Luling
Texas — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Caldwell County, Texas on the San Marcos River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 08172000, 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
30 ft
Moderate Flood
24 ft
Minor Flood
20 ft
Action Stage
11 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
40 ft
Devastating flooding reaches the lowest homes in Luling north and northeast of the golf course. All of Palmetto State Park at Ottine is under many feet of water. Water is nearly to the roof of the pavillion building. The Warm Springs rehabilitation hospital in Ottine has several feet of water in it.
36 ft
Palmetto State Park is under water except for the headquarters building. The pavillion has six feet of water in it. Much of the golf course in Luling is underwater. Lowest homes northeast of the golf course are threatened. The Warm Springs rehabilitation hospital in Ottine has several feet of water in it.
32 ft
Palmetto State Park is under water with water in the large pavillion building. There is extensive damage to roads, signs, camp sites and the pavillion building. Livestock are cut off and drowned in the flood plain below San Marcos to Gonzales. The lowest sections of the golf course in Luling are under water.
30 ft
Major flooding reaches nearly all of Palmetto State Park with extensive damage to park facilities, signs, fences and roads. Flow is to the slab of the large pavillion building. Livestock in the flood plain below San Marcos to Gonzales are cut off. Lowest sections of the golf course in Luling flood.
28 ft
Most of Palmetto State Park is flooded including Farm to Market 2091 through the park. Flow is approaching the large park pavillion building. All park visitors are evacuated. At Highway 80 in Luling flow is well into the flood plain and approaching the golf course. Livestock are cut off in the flood plain below San Marcos to Gonzales.
24 ft
Moderate flooding in Palmetto State Park five miles below Luling inundates many park facilities and roads.
20 ft
Minor lowland flooding reaches lowest camp sites and several sections of park roads at Palmetto State Park five miles below Luling.
16 ft
Over bank flow reaches lowest areas of the flood plain with no significant damage.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 18, 1998 | 41.85 ft | 206,000 cfs |
| Oct 18, 1998 | 41.85 ft | 206,000 cfs |
| Dec 31, 1868 | 40.4 ft | — |
| Dec 31, 1868 | 40.4 ft | — |
| May 28, 1929 | 37.1 ft | — |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
LLGT2
River
San Marcos River
County
Caldwell, TX
Coordinates
29.6661°N, 97.6506°W
Get Flood Alerts for San Marcos 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 San Marcos River at Luling?
The San Marcos River at Luling gauge is maintained by USGS (site 08172000) 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 San Marcos River at Luling?
The NWS-defined flood stage for San Marcos River at Luling is 20 feet. Action stage begins at 11 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 24 feet, and major flooding at 30 feet.
How do I get alerts when San Marcos River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add San Marcos River at Luling 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 San Marcos River at Luling gauge located?
The gauge is located in Caldwell County, Texas at coordinates 29.6661°N, 97.6506°W. USGS site number: 08172000. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
On This River
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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.