Major Flood
17 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
15 ft
Minor Flood
14 ft
Action Stage
12 ft
What Floods at Each Level
22.5 ft
Significant flooding is occurring. More than a hundred buildings in Petersburg are flooded.
20 ft
Several city blocks on the south side of Petersburg are flooded. Backwater may also flood portions of the eastern sections of the city.
18 ft
Water covers the entire runway at Grant County Airport and is in nearby structures. Hundreds of acres of lowlands are flooded. Water approaches homes on the north side of the river in Petersburg.
17 ft
Water reaches structures at the Grant County Airport. Flooding also begins south of the river on the south side of Petersburg.
15 ft
Two structures are flooded upstream of Petersburg. Water also approaches the runway at the Petersburg Airport.
14 ft
Water approaches structures upstream of Petersburg. Water also begins to cover Fish Hatchery Road near the river.
12 ft
Water overflows the natural banks into nearby lowlands. River Road alongside the river begins to flood in its lowest spots.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 16, 1949 | 22.83 ft | 62,000 cfs |
| Sep 6, 1996 | 22.2 ft | 113,000 cfs |
| Nov 4, 1985 | 21.8 ft | 130,000 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
PETW2
River
South Branch Potomac River
County
Grant, WV
Coordinates
38.9911°N, 79.1761°W
Get Flood Alerts for South Branch 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 South Branch Potomac River near Petersburg?
The South Branch Potomac River near Petersburg gauge is maintained by USGS (site 01606500) 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 South Branch Potomac River near Petersburg?
The NWS-defined flood stage for South Branch Potomac River near Petersburg is 14 feet. Action stage begins at 12 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 15 feet, and major flooding at 17 feet.
How do I get alerts when South Branch Potomac River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add South Branch Potomac River near Petersburg 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 South Branch Potomac River near Petersburg gauge located?
The gauge is located in Grant County, West Virginia at coordinates 38.9911°N, 79.1761°W. USGS site number: 01606500. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on South Branch Potomac River
On This River
Upstream: South Branch Potomac River at Franklin
Downstream: South Branch Potomac River near Springfield
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- Stage may be affected by ice.