Rappahannock River above Fredericksburg
Virginia — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Spotsylvania County, Virginia on the Rappahannock River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 01668000, 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
23 ft
Moderate Flood
16 ft
Minor Flood
13 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
23 ft
Water covers significant sections of River Road. Multiple structures upstream of Fredericksburg area also affected. Downstream, significant flooding is likely in the city of Fredericksburg.
20 ft
Water is above the top of the first floor at a riverside wedding venue upstream of Fredericksburg.
16 ft
Water begins to cover River Road upstream of the city of Fredericksburg. Structures near the Motts Run boat landing are flooded.
13 ft
Water covers the Riverside Trail off River Road upstream of Fredericksburg. Water also enters a building at a riverside wedding venue, and begins to cover the parking lot at the Motts Run boat landing.
12 ft
Water begins to cover grassy areas near the mouth of Motts Run.
10 ft
Water exceeds bankfull upstream of the tidal interface, but no property is affected.
3.2 ft
The Friends of the Rappahannock recommend that river levels greater than this are unsafe to recreation.
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 15, 1942 | 25.9 ft | 140,000 cfs |
| Oct 15, 1942 | 25.9 ft | 140,000 cfs |
| Apr 25, 1937 | 25.14 ft | 134,000 cfs |
| Apr 25, 1937 | 25.14 ft | 134,000 cfs |
| Jun 21, 1972 | 22.56 ft | 107,000 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
FDBV2
River
Rappahannock River
County
Spotsylvania, VA
Coordinates
38.3083°N, 77.5294°W
Get Flood Alerts for Rappahannock 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 Rappahannock River above Fredericksburg?
The Rappahannock River above Fredericksburg gauge is maintained by USGS (site 01668000) 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 Rappahannock River above Fredericksburg?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Rappahannock River above Fredericksburg is 13 feet. Action stage begins at 10 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 16 feet, and major flooding at 23 feet.
How do I get alerts when Rappahannock River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Rappahannock River above Fredericksburg 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 Rappahannock River above Fredericksburg gauge located?
The gauge is located in Spotsylvania County, Virginia at coordinates 38.3083°N, 77.5294°W. USGS site number: 01668000. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: U.S. Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- Stage may be affected by ice.