Cheat River at Rowlesburg
West Virginia — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Preston County, West Virginia on the Cheat River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 0307020015, 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
22 ft
Moderate Flood
18 ft
Minor Flood
16 ft
Action Stage
12.5 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
36.9 ft
Water levels reach the historic Election Day Flood of November 5, 1985.
36 ft
With the exception of areas like Oak, Maple and Wilson Streets, the entire town of Rowlesburg is under water. Areas closest to the Cheat River are inundated by up to 20 feet of water.
33 ft
Water reaches the road deck of the Maple Avenue Bridge (Route 51). Backwater flooding occurs on Saltlick Creek upstream from the confluence of the Cheat River.
30 ft
Water surrounds buildings on Maple Avenue (Route 51) east the Maple Avenue Bridge along Saltlick Creek. Parts of East Main Street and Elm Street are covered with 13 feet of water.
28 ft
Water covers the intersection at the east end of the Maple Avenue Bridge with County Route 80/8 and Maple Avenue flooded.
25 ft
Water reaches the lowest bridge girders on both the railroad bridge and the Maple Avenue Bridge (Route 51). Approximately 3 feet of water covers the east end of Main Street and 8 feet of water on Catherine Street (Route 72) near town park.
24.2 ft
Water levels reach the flood levels of the flood of January 19, 1996.
24 ft
Water covers portions of Elm, East Main and Catherine Streets in Rowlesburg and Route 72 both South and North of Rowlesburg. Water covers parts of the intersection of Maple Avenue and County Road 80/8 at the east end of the Maple Avenue Bridge. Downstream in Manheim, Center Avenue floods.
23.58 ft
Water levels reach the flood levels of the flood of February 9, 1994.
22 ft
Route 72 (Buffalo Street) is closed near Feltys Hill at the south end of Rowlesburg. Water approaches the intersection of Maple Street and County Road 80/8 at the east end of the Maple Avenue Bridge.
20 ft
Water flows under houses in low lying areas of Rowlesburg. Water affects homes along Poplar, Elm, Catherine, Diamond, Church, Buffalo and Main Streets. Nearly 3 feet of water covers Rowlesburg Town Park ball fields.
18 ft
State route 72 is closed at the north end of Rowlesburg, and water surrounds houses near Rowlesburg town park.
16 ft
Flooding reaches pavilions in Rowlesburg town park.
15 ft
Flooding begins in the Rowlesburg town park.
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 4, 1985 | 36.9 ft | 194,000 cfs |
| Nov 4, 1985 | 36.9 ft | 194,000 cfs |
| Jan 19, 1996 | 24.2 ft | 88,400 cfs |
| Jan 19, 1996 | 24.2 ft | 88,400 cfs |
| Feb 9, 1994 | 23.58 ft | — |
About This Gauge
Get Flood Alerts for Cheat 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 Cheat River at Rowlesburg?
The Cheat River at Rowlesburg gauge is maintained by USGS (site 0307020015) 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 Cheat River at Rowlesburg?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Cheat River at Rowlesburg is 16 feet. Action stage begins at 12.5 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 18 feet, and major flooding at 22 feet.
How do I get alerts when Cheat River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Cheat River at Rowlesburg 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 Cheat River at Rowlesburg gauge located?
The gauge is located in Preston County, West Virginia at coordinates 39.3498°N, 79.6679°W. USGS site number: 0307020015. 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
- The above river forecast includes future rainfall/snowmelt. Forecast stages may be different if the actual rainfall/snowmelt is different than the forecast rainfall/snowmelt.
- Stage may be affected by ice.