Major Flood
26.5 ft
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: KELW1). Live data may be limited. View on NWS AHPS →
FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
24.5 ft
Minor Flood
21.5 ft
Action Stage
19.5 ft
What Floods at Each Level
28.5 ft
major flooding in Kelso occurs, including residential and business areas. Numerous roads are flooded and closed, and levees may be subject to erosion and overtopping at this level.
26.5 ft
some flooding of business and residential areas occurs in Kelso. Numerous road closures can be expected. The top of some levees are approached at this level.
24.5 ft
flooding of a few residential areas in Kelso begins. Also expect widespread flooding of pasture land and low lying roads.
21.5 ft
flooding of several low lying and secondary roads begins, including the Cowlitz Gardens neighborhood, along with flooding of pasture and lowland upstream of Kelso.
19.5 ft
the river is at bankfull level.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 8, 1996 | 29.5 ft | -9,999 cfs |
| Dec 22, 1933 | 28.86 ft | — |
| Nov 29, 1995 | 27 ft | — |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
KELW1
River
Cowlitz River
County
Cowlitz, WA
Coordinates
46.1425°N, 122.9161°W
Get Flood Alerts for Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz River at Kelso?
The Cowlitz River at Kelso 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 Cowlitz River at Kelso?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Cowlitz River at Kelso is 21.5 feet. Action stage begins at 19.5 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 24.5 feet, and major flooding at 26.5 feet.
How do I get alerts when Cowlitz River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Cowlitz River at Kelso 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 Cowlitz River at Kelso gauge located?
The gauge is located in Cowlitz County, Washington at coordinates 46.1425°N, 122.9161°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
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Source & Notes
- Gauge readings inaccurate - awaiting repair.