Major Flood
6.6 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
Loading...
Streamflow
Loading...
Last Reading
Loading...
FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
4.2 ft
Minor Flood
3.3 ft
Action Stage
2.5 ft
What Floods at Each Level
9 ft
Flooding is occurring nearshore at Joint Base Anacostia Bolling near the marina and at the Naval Research Lab. Daingerfield Island is completely flooded. Union Street is flooded for almost its entire length in Alexandria. Dozens of structures are impacted. Widespread backwater flooding is affecting Huntington and Belle View.
7.5 ft
On Joint Base Anacostia Bolling, floodwaters cross Giovanni Way with structures affected. Daingerfield Island is almost totally underwater. In Alexandria, flooding reaches the east end of Madison Street with structures flooded. Union Street is flooded between Queen Street and Duke Street with numerous structures impacted. A large section of the George Washington Parkway is flooded and closed both north and south of Old Town Alexandria.
6.5 ft
Water approaches the George Washington Parkway near Daingerfield Island and Belle Haven. Flooding is occurring near the Joint Base Anacostia Bolling marina. Significant flooding is occurring along Union Street in Old Town Alexandria, along with nearby streets. Flooding is also occurring further south at Jones Point.
5.5 ft
Floodwaters reach about a block and a half inland at King Street and cover several blocks of Union Street in Alexandria.
5 ft
Flooding begins in the vicinity of the Joint Base Anacostia Bolling marina. Access to the Daingerfield Island area is cut off due to flooding. Several parks along the Alexandria waterfront are flooded. Union Street is flooded between Wales Alley and Thompson Alley. Lower portions of King Street, Prince Street, and Strand Street are flooded. Water approaches the southern tip of Lee Street.
4.5 ft
Flooding is ongoing at several businesses near the intersection of King Street and Union Street.
4 ft
Water approaches buildings near the intersection of King Street and Union Street. This flooding will be slightly more widespread in a tidal flood than a freshwater flood.
3.8 ft
Water covers part of Mt. Vernon Trail along the George Washington Memorial Parkway between Belle View Blvd and Tulane Drive.
3.75 ft
Union Street is covered by water near King Street. Water starts to cover the driveway leading to Belle Haven Marina.
3.25 ft
Water covers the easternmost end of King Street.
3.1 ft
Water reaches the curb near the intersection of King Street and Strand Street.
2.7 ft
Water begins to pool near the corner of Strand Street and Wales Alley in Alexandria.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
Loading chart data...
Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 19, 2003 | 8.66 ft | -9,999 cfs |
| Mar 19, 1936 | 7.4 ft | — |
| Oct 28, 2021 | 5.99 ft | — |
Flood Inundation Map
NOAA has mapped what areas flood at different water levels for this gauge. View the interactive flood inundation map →
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
AXTV2
River
Potomac River
County
City of Alexandria, VA
Coordinates
38.8053°N, 77.0383°W
Get Flood Alerts for Potomac 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 Potomac River at Alexandria?
The Potomac River at Alexandria gauge is maintained by USGS (site 0165258890) 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 Potomac River at Alexandria?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Potomac River at Alexandria is 3.3 feet. Action stage begins at 2.5 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 4.2 feet, and major flooding at 6.6 feet.
How do I get alerts when Potomac River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Potomac River at Alexandria to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category.
Where is the Potomac River at Alexandria gauge located?
The gauge is located in City of Alexandria County, Virginia at coordinates 38.8053°N, 77.0383°W. USGS site number: 0165258890. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Potomac River
On This River
Upstream: Potomac River at Georgetown / Wisconsin Ave
Downstream: Potomac River at Lewisetta (IN MLLW)
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- <head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <style type="text/css"> .style1 { background-color: #FFFF00; } </style> </head> Please refer to <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=LWX&product=CFW&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1"><font color="#0000ff"><span class="style1">Coastal Flood Advisories and Warnings</span></font></a> for official water level forecasts during periods of coastal flooding. During tropical cyclones, please refer<span class="style1"> </span> <span class="style1"> <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=lwx&product=TCV&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1">here</a></span> for additional storm surge information.
- Stage may be affected by ice.