Middle Fork Feather River near Portola
Future / Actual / Minor
OWP 2.0 WWA Modal Title
01/11/2021, 10:04 PM UTC through 01/11/2021, 10:04 PM UTC
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Observed (OBS) 06/18/2025 11:30 PM PDTOfficial Forecast (FCST) 06/18/2025 8:26 AM PDTCATEGORY STAGE 
Major Flooding 4855.5 ft Moderate Flooding 4853.5 ft Minor Flooding 4852.5 ft Action 4851 ft Reliability of the Forecast: Based on current and forecast river, weather and reservoir conditions
NOTE: Forecasts are issued routinely year-round.
Stage may be affected by ice during winter months.
As of 10/1/2019 the vertical reference for observations and forecasts for this gage will be changed from a local reference to mean sea level (to correct from the historic Datum add 4843.56'). Additional details on this change can be found here or watch a 1 minute video here ***Note, all historic crests have been adjusted to the new datum and estimated based on CADWR rating #37 as of 10/1/19.
National Water Model Hydrograph
Official NWS streamflow forecasts are produced by NWS hydrologic forecasters for river gauge locations using hydrologic models which are calibrated to that location. This process considers additional guidance and information, including local expertise and experience, to produce the best forecast possible. The NWM output provides supplemental guidance to NWS forecasters and should not be considered an official NWS river forecast.
Flood Impacts
- 4856.5 - Major to near record flooding. Major damages to transportation, homes and businesses. Similar to January 1997, and in excess of February 9, 2017. Potential for rapid rises and major impacts from tributary streams. Tributary impacts may significantly proceed main-stem peak flows.
- 4855.5 - Major Flood Stage. Major disruptions to transportation with significant impacts to homes and businesses between Beckworth and Clio. Approaching levels of February 9, 2017. Potential for rapid rises and major impacts from tributary streams. Impacts below Portola influenced by magnitude of tributary flows, especially Sulphur Creek. Tributary impacts may significantly proceed main-stem peak flows.
- 4854.5 - Moderate flooding of businesses, homes, structures, and roads, including Highway 89 near Clio, portions of Highway 70, and low lying homes from Beckwourth to Clio. Impacts below Portola influenced by magnitude of tributary flows, especially Sulphur Creek.
Gauge Info
| Coordinates | 39.8189, -120.445 |
| RFC | CNRFC |
| State | CA |
| WFO | REV |
| County | Plumas |
| Data Provider(s) | |
| CA Dept. of Water Resources | CA Dept. of Water Resources |
| USGS | 11392100 |
Gauge Location
Recent Crests
| 1. | 4854.42 ft | on 03-16-2023 | (P) | |
| 2. | 4853.06 ft | on 03-01-2019 | (P) | 1 |
| 3. | 4853.06 ft | on 02-28-2019 | (P) | 1 |
| 4. | 4853.32 ft | on 03-24-2018 | (P) | 1 |
| 5. | 4856.27 ft | on 02-11-2017 | (P) | 1 |
Recent Crests
| 1. | 4854.42 ft | on 03-16-2023 | (P) | |
| 2. | 4853.06 ft | on 03-01-2019 | (P) | 1 |
| 3. | 4853.06 ft | on 02-28-2019 | (P) | 1 |
| 4. | 4853.32 ft | on 03-24-2018 | (P) | 1 |
| 5. | 4856.27 ft | on 02-11-2017 | (P) | 1 |
| 6. | 4852.70 ft | on 01-13-2017 | (P) | 1 |
| 7. | 4853.55 ft | on 01-10-2017 | (P) | 1 |
| 8. | 4852.57 ft | on 03-17-2011 | (P) | 1 |
| 9. | 4853.08 ft | on 01-14-1980 | (P) | 1 |
| 10. | 4851.30 ft | on 01-17-1978 | (P) | 1 |
| 11. | 4851.31 ft | on 03-27-1975 | (P) | 1 |
| 12. | 4851.73 ft | on 03-31-1974 | (P) | 1 |
| 13. | 4853.58 ft | on 03-27-1971 | (P) | 1 |
| 14. | 4852.65 ft | on 01-25-1970 | (P) | 1 |
| 15. | 4854.11 ft | on 01-21-1969 | (P) | 1 |
Historic Crests
| 1. | 4856.27 ft | on 02-11-2017 | (P) | 1 |
| 2. | 4854.42 ft | on 03-16-2023 | (P) | |
| 3. | 4854.11 ft | on 01-21-1969 | (P) | 1 |
| 4. | 4853.58 ft | on 03-27-1971 | (P) | 1 |
| 5. | 4853.55 ft | on 01-10-2017 | (P) | 1 |
Historic Crests
| 1. | 4856.27 ft | on 02-11-2017 | (P) | 1 |
| 2. | 4854.42 ft | on 03-16-2023 | (P) | |
| 3. | 4854.11 ft | on 01-21-1969 | (P) | 1 |
| 4. | 4853.58 ft | on 03-27-1971 | (P) | 1 |
| 5. | 4853.55 ft | on 01-10-2017 | (P) | 1 |
| 6. | 4853.32 ft | on 03-24-2018 | (P) | 1 |
| 7. | 4853.08 ft | on 01-14-1980 | (P) | 1 |
| 8. | 4853.06 ft | on 03-01-2019 | (P) | 1 |
| 9. | 4853.06 ft | on 02-28-2019 | (P) | 1 |
| 10. | 4852.70 ft | on 01-13-2017 | (P) | 1 |
| 11. | 4852.65 ft | on 01-25-1970 | (P) | 1 |
| 12. | 4852.57 ft | on 03-17-2011 | (P) | 1 |
| 13. | 4851.73 ft | on 03-31-1974 | (P) | 1 |
| 14. | 4851.31 ft | on 03-27-1975 | (P) | 1 |
| 15. | 4851.30 ft | on 01-17-1978 | (P) | 1 |
Vertical Datum Table
| type | NAVD88 |
|---|---|
| major Flooding | 4855.50 ft |
| moderate Flooding | 4853.50 ft |
| minor Flooding | 4852.50 ft |
| action | 4851.00 ft |
| Latest Value | 4845.58 ft |
| Gauge Zero | 0.00 ft |
Collaborative Agencies
The National Weather Service prepares its forecasts and other services in collaboration with agencies like the US Geological Survey, US Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineers, Natural Resource Conservation Service, National Park Service, ALERT Users Group, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and many state and local emergency managers across the country. For details, please click here.
Resources
Hydrologic Resource Links
- River Forecast Centers
- Text Products
- Past Precipitation
- Forecast Precipitation
- California-Nevada River Forecast Center Homepage
- USGS Real-Time Hydrologic Data for Nevada
- USGS Real-Time Hydrologic Data for California
- NWS Climate Prediction Center: Outlook Maps, Graphs & Tables
- NV NRCS Snow Program
- Inundation Mapping Locations
- California Data Exchange
- Guide to NWS Hydrologic Information on the Web
Additional Resource Links
- NWS Precipitation and River Forecasting
- Area Hydrographs
- NWS Headquarters, Silver Spring MD
- NWS Western Region Headquarters, Salt Lake City UT
- Western Regional Climate Center, Reno NV
- NWS Forecast Office Homepage, Reno NV
- NOAA Snow Information Center
- Flood Smart Web Page
- FEMA Flood Insurance Program
- FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps Interface