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This probabilistic forecast is issued by the Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center.
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About this graph
Forecasts for the Rapidan River near Culpeper are issued routinely year-round.
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Downstream Gauge Downstream Gauge - above Fredericksburg
Zoom Level:14
Flood Categories (in feet)
Major Flood Stage: 21
Moderate Flood Stage: 17
Flood Stage: 13
Action Stage: 11
Low Stage (in feet): -9999

Historic Crests
(1) 30.40 ft on 06/28/1995
(2) 30.30 ft on 10/16/1942
(3) 29.53 ft on 06/22/1972
(4) 28.03 ft on 04/26/1937
(5) 27.49 ft on 09/07/1996
Show More Historic Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Recent Crests
(1) 15.12 ft on 01/10/2024 (P)
(2) 13.32 ft on 08/04/2018
(3) 23.56 ft on 06/23/2018
(4) 14.46 ft on 06/04/2018
(5) 14.64 ft on 06/01/2018
Show More Recent Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Low Water Records
Currently none available.
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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
21 Significant flooding of lowlands near the river will occur, including significant portions of roads near the river. Travel will be severely affected. Water is likely approaching structures.
17 Water begins to approach outbuildings on both sides of the river downstream of the route 522 bridge.
14 River Road on the Orange County side of the Rapidan River is flooded in a few spots, and pastureland is flooded on both sides of the river. Other low lying roads near the river are also beginning to flood, and access to homes may become limited. No structures are affected at this level.
13 Farmland near the river between Rapidan and Raccoon Ford begins to flood.
4 The Friends of the Rappahannock recommend that levels greater than 4 feet at the Culpeper gage are unsafe for recreational use.

Other Real-time and/or Archive Data Sources:

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) 7 Day (NAEFS) 7 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.

Collaborative Agencies Collapse
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
(Baltimore/Washington) Sterling Weather Forecast Office
43858 Weather Service Rd.
Sterling, VA 20166
(571) 888-3500
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Page last modified: 2-Nov-2020 7:30 PM
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