Winooski River at Essex Junction
Vermont — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Chittenden County, Vermont on the Winooski River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 04290500, 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
18 ft
Moderate Flood
15 ft
Minor Flood
12 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
20 ft
Flooding will be widespread along the Winooski river from Jonesville to Lake Champlain. Water will cover Route 2 from Bolton to Williston, and Route 117 from Richmond to Essex. Bridge Street in Richmond, North Williston Road in Williston and Essex, Poor Farm Road in South Burlington and Williston floods. The Burlington Intervale will be inundated.
18 ft
Flooding will be widespread along the Winooski River from Jonesville to the rivers mouth at Lake Champlain. Water will cover Bridge Street in Richmond, North Williston Road in Williston and Essex, Poor Farm Road in South Burlington and Williston. The Burlington Intervale will be inundated.
16 ft
Low lying roads along the Winooski will flood, including Bridge Street in Richmond, North Williston Road in Essex, Poor Farm Road near the South Burlington and Essex town line, and Pine Island Road in Colchester. The Burlington Intervale will be inundated, and there will be widespread field flooding from Jonesville to Lake Champlain.
15 ft
Flooding will occur on North Williston Road in Essex, Bridge Street and Volunteer Green in Richmond, and low lying roads in Jonesville. Water will inundate low lying fields along the Winooski from Jonesville to Burlington.
14 ft
Flooding will occur on North Williston Road in Essex and Pine Island Road in Colchester. Water will approach Bridge Street and Volunteer Green in Richmond, and low lying roads in Jonesville. Low lying farmland in the Burlington Intervale will flood, as well as farmland along the Winooski from Bolton through Burlington.
13 ft
Water will cover North Williston Road in Essex and Pine Island Road in Colchester. Low lying farmland in the Burlington Intervale will flood.
12.5 ft
North Williston Road in Essex will begin to flood, and motorists should seek an alternate route. Water will flood farmland in the Burlington Intervale.
12 ft
Farms in the Burlington Intervale begin to flood. Water will flood fields adjacent to North Williston Road in Essex and will approach North Williston Road.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 3, 1927 | 51.4 ft | 113,000 cfs |
| Nov 3, 1927 | 51.4 ft | 113,000 cfs |
| Mar 18, 1936 | 24.54 ft | 45,300 cfs |
| Mar 18, 1936 | 24.54 ft | 45,300 cfs |
| Jul 11, 2023 | 23.28 ft | 41,300 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
ESSV1
River
Winooski River
County
Chittenden, VT
Coordinates
44.4789°N, 73.1392°W
Get Flood Alerts for Winooski 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 Winooski River at Essex Junction?
The Winooski River at Essex Junction gauge is maintained by USGS (site 04290500) 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 Winooski River at Essex Junction?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Winooski River at Essex Junction is 12 feet. Action stage begins at 10 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 15 feet, and major flooding at 18 feet.
How do I get alerts when Winooski River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Winooski River at Essex Junction 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 Winooski River at Essex Junction gauge located?
The gauge is located in Chittenden County, Vermont at coordinates 44.4789°N, 73.1392°W. USGS site number: 04290500. 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
- Gauge reading may be affected by ice. Forecast flows are unadjusted for ice.