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Hydrograph River at a Glance Download
White River (IN) at Ravenswood Stage (ft)Flow (kcfs)RVNI3(plotting HGIRZ) Graph Created (1:38AM Mar 29, 2024)Flood Stage is 6 ft
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About this graph
Tabular Data (UTC)
Tabular Data (EDT)
XML Data
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Datum: NGVD29
Metadata
NOTE: Gauge reading only in high-water situations.

NOTE: Stage measured manually and reported by river observer. No automated gauge on-site.

Reliability of the Forecast: Based on current and forecast river, weather and reservoir conditions

NOTE: Forecasts for the White River (IN) at Ravenswood are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available.

Return to Area Map
Upstream Gauge - near Ravenswood Upstream Gauge Downstream Gauge Downstream Gauge - at Broad Ripple
Flood Categories (in feet)
Major Flood Stage: 12
Moderate Flood Stage: 10
Flood Stage: 6
Action Stage: 4
Low Stage (in feet): -9999

Historic Crests
(1) 16.00 ft on 03/26/1913
(2) 13.30 ft on 05/19/1943
(3) 12.90 ft on 04/23/1964
(4) 12.60 ft on 06/30/1957
(5) 12.50 ft on 01/01/1991
(6) 12.30 ft on 06/15/1958
(7) 12.00 ft on 01/16/1937
(8) 11.80 ft on 01/14/2005
(9) 11.50 ft on 04/20/2013
(10) 11.30 ft on 07/11/2003
Show More Historic Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Recent Crests
(1) 8.75 ft on 04/05/2018
(2) 9.90 ft on 05/06/2017
(3) 7.56 ft on 12/29/2015
(4) 9.10 ft on 06/29/2015
(5) 8.50 ft on 04/05/2014
(6) 9.10 ft on 12/24/2013
(7) 11.50 ft on 04/20/2013
(8) 9.95 ft on 01/15/2013
(9) 10.20 ft on 03/02/2011
(10) 8.10 ft on 06/24/2010
Show More Recent Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Low Water Records
Currently none available.

For more information on your flood risk go to www.floodsmart.gov.

Zoom Level:16
KML Image
Gauge LocationGauge Map Marker
Disclaimer
Latitude/Longitude Disclaimer: The gauge location shown in the above map is the approximate location based on the latitude/longitude coordinates provided to the NWS by the gauge owner.
Flood Impacts & Photos Collapse
If you notice any errors in the below information, please contact our Webmaster
14.5 Approaching record flood level. Worst flooding in nearly 100 years. Major destruction in Ravenswood and likely failing of levee at Rocky Ripple. Nearing first floor flooding in Mystic Bay area. Critical stage on Warfleigh levee in Broad Ripple. Numerous local roads on north side of Indianapolis flooded.
13.5 Flood levels at the highest level since March 1913 and just above the May 1943 flood. Extensive flooding with many evacuations in the Ravenswood area. Possible breaching of levee in the Rocky Ripple Area.
12.5 Major flooding in Ravenswood. Evacuations ordered for all residents in Ravenswood west of Crittenden Avenue. Water near the top of levee protecting Rocky Ripple. Water at critical levels for Warfleigh levee in Broad Ripple. Numerous local roads extensively flooded on the north side of Indianapolis.
12 Large portion of Ravenswood experiences major flood damage. Extensive flooding in the Mystic Bay area closes roads and affects lower garage areas.
11.2 Several streets flooded by a foot or more of water.
10 Serious flooding begins in the Ravenswood area.
9 High water affects Ravenswood and River Edge Drive. Many basements in Ravenswood fill with one to two feet of water. Some basements fill with three feet or more feet of water.
8 Basements begin to flood in Ravenswood area. Flood waters begin to affect residential parking in the Broad Ripple area.
7.5 River Road floods.
7 Water surrounds homes in River Edge Estates. A few streets flood in Ravenswood.
6 Lowest portion of Ravenswood begins to flood.
Photos
(1) Upstream view of White River on November 12, 2002.
(2) Downstream view of White River on November 12, 2002.
(3) Where 69th Street crosses Howland Ditch west of Kingsley Drive
(4) Area north of Crittenden Ave. from 69th St. that flooded in January 1991.
(5) Area south of Crittenden Ave. from 69th St. that flooded in January 1991.
(6) Area west of Crittenden on 69th St. that flooded in January 1991.
(7) View of Howland Ditch south of 69th Street.
(8) View of Howland Ditch north of 69th Street.
(9) View of Howland Ditch at 71st Street looking north from 69th Street.
About This Location Collapse

Latitude: 39.893333° N, Longitude: 86.129444° W, Horizontal Datum: Unknown

River Stage
Reference Frame
Gauge Height Flood Stage Uses
NWS stage 0 ft 6 ft Interpreting hydrographs and NWS watch, warnings, and forecasts, and inundation maps
Vertical Datum Elevation
(gauge height = 0)
Elevation
(gauge height = flood stage)
Elevation information source
NAVD88 Not Available Not Available Survey grade GPS equipment, FEMA flood plain maps, newer USGS topographic maps
NGVD 29 712.5 ft 718.5 ft Older USGS topographic maps, NGVD29 benchmarks
MSL Not Available Not Available Older USGS topographic maps, MSL benchmarks
Other Not Available Not Available  
Additional Information Collapse
Potential River Levels - Used to
Potential River Levels
Used to Estimate the Chance of Flooding and the Range of Possible River Levels
10 Day (HEFS) 10 Day (NAEFS) 10 Day (GEFS)
HEFS Ensemble NAEFS Ensemble GEFS Ensemble

Note: Use the official hydrograph at the top of this web page for river levels within the next 72 hours.

Click individual graphics to enlarge.

Current river trends are available at the Keystone Ave Bridge site located just upstream of the old Ravenswood staff gage.

This river site is operated solely by the National Weather Service at Indianapolis and currently there is no observer.

Detailed stream discharges and gage heights as archived by the U.S. Geological Survey are not available. Much of the data that is available is displayed on this page.

If you have questions please call the National Weather Service at 317–856–0360 or e–mail us at: nws.indianapolis@noaa.gov.
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Hydrologic Resources Additional Resources
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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.
NWS Information
National Weather Service
Indianapolis Weather Forecast Office
6900 West Hanna Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46241
(317) 856-0360
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Page last modified: 2-Nov-2020 7:30 PM
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