Potomac River at Shepherdstown
West Virginia — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Jefferson County, West Virginia on the Potomac River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 01618000, 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
25 ft
Moderate Flood
22 ft
Minor Flood
15 ft
Action Stage
8 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
25 ft
Significant flooding is occurring throughout this stretch of the Potomac, with numerous buildings and roads inundated, and a few homes. Major impacts are occurring on C&O Canal property.
24 ft
Water begins to cover the parking lot adjacent to the Shepherdstown boat ramp, and approaches the lowest point of an adjacent building. Water also reaches the upper parking area of the boat ramp adjacent to Dam Number Four on the West Virginia side of the river.
22 ft
Water approaches homes on the West Virginia side of the river near Shepherdstown, and impacts are also observed on the Maryland side, not just to the C&O Canal towpath, but also to roads and structures.
19 ft
Water covers the pedestrian bridge adjacent to the Shepherdstown boat ramp. Significant portions of the C&O Canal towpath are flooded.
16 ft
Water goes over the banks of the Potomac near the mouth of the Opequon River.
15 ft
River Road is completely flooded in low spots between Shepherdstown and Harpers Ferry. Significant portions of the C&O Canal towpath are flooded between McMahons Mill and Dam Number Four.
13 ft
River Road near Shepherdstown begins to flood. Water completely covers the boat ramp at Shepherdstown.
12 ft
Water reaches the lowest part of the parking areas at Big Slackwater and Taylors Landing on the Maryland side of the river.
10 ft
Water begins to cover the C&O Canal towpath upstream and downstream of McMahons Mill.
8 ft
Water covers the lower parking area of the boat ramp adjacent to Dam Number Four on the West Virginia side of the river.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 18, 1936 | 42.07 ft | 335,000 cfs |
| Mar 18, 1936 | 42.07 ft | 335,000 cfs |
| May 31, 1889 | 39.2 ft | 290,000 cfs |
| May 31, 1889 | 39.2 ft | 290,000 cfs |
| Apr 26, 1937 | 33.2 ft | 207,000 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
SHEW2
River
Potomac River
County
Jefferson, WV
Coordinates
39.4347°N, 77.8014°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 Shepherdstown?
The Potomac River at Shepherdstown gauge is maintained by USGS (site 01618000) 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 Shepherdstown?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Potomac River at Shepherdstown is 15 feet. Action stage begins at 8 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 22 feet, and major flooding at 25 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 Shepherdstown 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 Potomac River at Shepherdstown gauge located?
The gauge is located in Jefferson County, West Virginia at coordinates 39.4347°N, 77.8014°W. USGS site number: 01618000. 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
- Stage may be affected by ice during winter months.