Kanawha River at South Side Bridge
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) 06/17/2025 5:45 AM EDTOfficial Forecast (FCST) 06/16/2025 8:57 PM EDTRecord: 47.6 ftCATEGORY STAGE Major Flooding 40 ft Moderate Flooding 35 ft Minor Flooding 30 ft Action 23.5 ft Reliability of the Forecast:
NOTE: Forecasts are issued routinely year-round.
River Forecasts typically include ONLY 2 days of future rain from forecast issuance time (lower right of graph). Occasionally 3 days of future rain included.
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
- 48 - Major flooding of the City of Charleston and surrounding areas.
- 47 - Kanawha Boulevard near the South Side Bridge is flooded.
- 44 - Water reaches the base of homes along Kanawha Boulevard, west of the interstate bridge, near Magic Island. Kanawha Boulevard is also flooded in this area. Sections of MacCorkle Avenue (Route 61) near the interstate bridge are flooded.
- 43 - Water is at the base of Union building on Kanawha Boulevard.
- 40 - The South Side Bridge parking lot along Kanawha Boulevard is flooded.
- 38.7 - Water is to bottom of Haddad Riverfront Park bathrooms and most of park is flooded.
- 38 - The CSX Railroad tracks, Kanawha Boulevard, and Park Avenue on the west side of Charleston begins to flood.
- 35 - Low sections of MacCorkle Avenue between the South Side Bridge, the Thirty Fifth Street bridge, Thirty Fifth, and Thirty Third Streets in Kanawha City begin to flood.
- 32 - U.S. Route 60, Patrick Street and U.S. Route 119 in the City of Charleston begin to flood.
- 31.6 - Patrick Street at 6th Avenue begins to flood.
- 30 - Bigley Avenue at Magazine Branch begins to flood.
- 29.5 - Crescent Road at Magazine Branch begins to flood.
- 29.3 - Grant Street at Elm Street begins to flood.
- 29 - The railroad underpass on US Route 119 (Corridor G), near its intersection with MacCorkle Ave, begins to flood from backwater up Ferry Branch. Water also backs up Lower Donnally Branch and begins to flood the 4400 block dip in Kanawha Ave in Kanawha City.
- 28 - The protective earth dike/levee, around the South Charleston Community Center, has accumulating backwater near its top. Also, the lower west end of Spring Hill in South Charleston has backwater pool in the vicinity of Roxbury, Kentucky, and Ohio Streets.
- 27 - Iowa Street at 5th Avenue begins to flood due to backwater up Kanawha Two Mile. Also, Gap View Drive begins to flood near the WV DOH Materials Building from backwater up Campbells Creek and Dry Branch.
- 25.5 - The lower riverbank sidewalk, along Kanawha Blvd, begins to flood.
- 25 - Oregon Street, 6th Avenue, and Kemp Avenue have water backing up from Kanawha Two Mile - and pools near homes. Also, the lower parking lot #2 of the Kenna Homes off Kenna Drive in South Charleston begins to flood.
- 24.5 - Concrete splash pads on Magic Island begin to flood.
- 24 - Pooling backwater reaches around the base of the South Charleston Community Center protective earth dike/levee. (also the elevation of their gym floor)
- 23.6 - The North Charleston Fire Department basement begins to flood.
- 23.5 - Piedmont Road and Dry Branch Drive flood from backwater up Campbells Creek.
- 22 - Portions of Magic Island are under water. Backwater flooding starts along the Elk River portion of the city. Additionally, a catch basin field between the South Charleston Community Center and Kenna Homes begins to accumulate backwater. This water comes up through the drains that feed into Davis Creek.
- 20 - The concrete floor of the elevated stage at Haddad Riverfront Park is flooded.
- 17.5 - Water is up to the bottom steps of the seating area in Haddad Riverfront Park. Also, the lower loop road to the boat ramp at Daniel Boone Park floods.
Gauge Info
Coordinates | 38.3472, -81.6364 |
RFC | OHRFC |
State | WV |
WFO | RLX |
County | Kanawha |
Data Provider(s) | |
USGS | 0319382976 |
Gauge Location
Recent Crests
1. | 29.71 ft | on 03-02-2021 |
2. | 24.31 ft | on 02-07-2020 |
3. | 26.30 ft | on 02-24-2019 |
4. | 25.20 ft | on 04-17-2018 |
5. | 24.00 ft | on 02-12-2018 |
Recent Crests
1. | 29.71 ft | on 03-02-2021 |
2. | 24.31 ft | on 02-07-2020 |
3. | 26.30 ft | on 02-24-2019 |
4. | 25.20 ft | on 04-17-2018 |
5. | 24.00 ft | on 02-12-2018 |
6. | 28.90 ft | on 06-25-2016 |
7. | 27.60 ft | on 03-05-2015 |
8. | 25.10 ft | on 02-01-2013 |
9. | 22.80 ft | on 01-17-2013 |
10. | 28.70 ft | on 03-13-2010 |
11. | 21.70 ft | on 03-06-2008 |
12. | 24.70 ft | on 04-16-2007 |
13. | 30.00 ft | on 11-20-2003 |
14. | 28.50 ft | on 02-23-2003 |
15. | 23.60 ft | on 07-30-2001 |
16. | 22.80 ft | on 03-04-1997 |
17. | 22.00 ft | on 01-25-1996 |
18. | 27.40 ft | on 01-19-1996 |
19. | 26.10 ft | on 03-30-1994 |
20. | 24.90 ft | on 03-24-1993 |
21. | 25.20 ft | on 03-05-1993 |
22. | 22.80 ft | on 03-07-1989 |
23. | 24.70 ft | on 04-25-1987 |
24. | 20.00 ft | on 03-16-1986 |
25. | 21.50 ft | on 11-06-1985 |
26. | 22.00 ft | on 03-30-1984 |
27. | 22.00 ft | on 02-15-1984 |
28. | 20.50 ft | on 02-04-1982 |
29. | 24.00 ft | on 01-22-1979 |
30. | 27.00 ft | on 01-26-1978 |
31. | 28.00 ft | on 04-05-1977 |
32. | 23.80 ft | on 10-10-1976 |
33. | 23.20 ft | on 03-20-1975 |
34. | 26.50 ft | on 01-11-1974 |
35. | 22.50 ft | on 04-28-1973 |
36. | 29.60 ft | on 02-26-1972 |
37. | 27.40 ft | on 12-31-1969 |
38. | 28.50 ft | on 03-07-1967 |
39. | 23.00 ft | on 03-22-1965 |
40. | 22.50 ft | on 03-06-1964 |
41. | 27.90 ft | on 03-12-1963 |
42. | 26.00 ft | on 02-27-1962 |
43. | 21.60 ft | on 02-26-1961 |
44. | 26.70 ft | on 03-31-1960 |
45. | 21.60 ft | on 05-07-1958 |
46. | 29.00 ft | on 01-30-1957 |
47. | 31.90 ft | on 03-07-1955 |
48. | 30.40 ft | on 02-02-1950 |
49. | 30.60 ft | on 01-09-1946 |
50. | 30.50 ft | on 01-01-1943 |
51. | 30.50 ft | on 12-31-1942 |
52. | 31.00 ft | on 08-15-1940 |
53. | 32.00 ft | on 02-04-1939 |
54. | 33.80 ft | on 10-29-1937 |
55. | 27.50 ft | on 01-21-1937 |
56. | 31.20 ft | on 03-18-1936 |
57. | 29.00 ft | on 02-16-1936 |
58. | 25.00 ft | on 03-07-1935 |
59. | 27.20 ft | on 01-24-1935 |
60. | 37.90 ft | on 03-05-1934 |
61. | 30.60 ft | on 10-03-1929 |
62. | 30.10 ft | on 05-13-1924 |
63. | 25.00 ft | on 12-25-1921 |
64. | 35.60 ft | on 01-02-1919 |
65. | 36.10 ft | on 03-14-1918 |
66. | 29.70 ft | on 03-05-1917 |
67. | 29.20 ft | on 07-17-1916 |
68. | 29.90 ft | on 02-03-1915 |
69. | 34.80 ft | on 03-28-1913 |
70. | 31.00 ft | on 04-02-1908 |
71. | 29.00 ft | on 02-16-1908 |
72. | 33.00 ft | on 06-14-1907 |
73. | 30.10 ft | on 01-17-1907 |
74. | 26.50 ft | on 11-20-1906 |
75. | 28.55 ft | on 01-24-1906 |
76. | 28.00 ft | on 05-13-1905 |
77. | 28.50 ft | on 03-10-1905 |
78. | 33.00 ft | on 03-24-1903 |
79. | 37.00 ft | on 03-01-1902 |
80. | 38.60 ft | on 12-30-1901 |
81. | 32.60 ft | on 12-16-1901 |
82. | 31.40 ft | on 06-24-1901 |
83. | 25.60 ft | on 05-28-1901 |
84. | 38.50 ft | on 05-23-1901 |
85. | 36.40 ft | on 04-21-1901 |
86. | 27.50 ft | on 04-04-1901 |
87. | 31.00 ft | on 11-27-1900 |
88. | 41.25 ft | on 03-05-1899 |
89. | 24.60 ft | on 01-07-1899 |
90. | 31.20 ft | on 08-11-1897 |
91. | 41.50 ft | on 02-23-1897 |
92. | 28.40 ft | on 04-09-1895 |
93. | 27.00 ft | on 05-05-1893 |
94. | 29.70 ft | on 02-18-1893 |
95. | 27.35 ft | on 04-23-1892 |
96. | 28.90 ft | on 01-15-1892 |
97. | 23.25 ft | on 04-12-1891 |
98. | 24.10 ft | on 02-11-1891 |
99. | 26.90 ft | on 01-03-1891 |
100. | 30.96 ft | on 03-23-1890 |
101. | 30.90 ft | on 06-01-1889 |
102. | 39.35 ft | on 04-01-1886 |
103. | 36.25 ft | on 01-07-1886 |
104. | 27.30 ft | on 02-14-1880 |
105. | 36.67 ft | on 01-14-1879 |
106. | 41.63 ft | on 09-14-1878 |
107. | 35.10 ft | on 11-25-1877 |
108. | 35.70 ft | on 01-17-1877 |
109. | 33.30 ft | on 08-03-1875 |
110. | 36.10 ft | on 02-26-1875 |
111. | 31.60 ft | on 04-11-1874 |
112. | 27.00 ft | on 05-10-1873 |
113. | 27.50 ft | on 02-18-1873 |
114. | 31.40 ft | on 04-23-1870 |
115. | 30.40 ft | on 03-29-1870 |
116. | 38.10 ft | on 01-01-1865 |
117. | 46.87 ft | on 09-29-1861 |
118. | 47.60 ft | on 01-01-1840 |
119. | 43.00 ft | on 01-01-1822 |
Historic Crests
1. | 47.60 ft | on 01-01-1840 |
2. | 46.87 ft | on 09-29-1861 |
3. | 43.00 ft | on 01-01-1822 |
4. | 41.63 ft | on 09-14-1878 |
5. | 41.50 ft | on 02-23-1897 |
6. | 41.25 ft | on 03-05-1899 |
7. | 39.35 ft | on 04-01-1886 |
8. | 38.60 ft | on 12-30-1901 |
9. | 38.50 ft | on 05-23-1901 |
10. | 38.10 ft | on 01-01-1865 |
Historic Crests
1. | 47.60 ft | on 01-01-1840 |
2. | 46.87 ft | on 09-29-1861 |
3. | 43.00 ft | on 01-01-1822 |
4. | 41.63 ft | on 09-14-1878 |
5. | 41.50 ft | on 02-23-1897 |
6. | 41.25 ft | on 03-05-1899 |
7. | 39.35 ft | on 04-01-1886 |
8. | 38.60 ft | on 12-30-1901 |
9. | 38.50 ft | on 05-23-1901 |
10. | 38.10 ft | on 01-01-1865 |
11. | 37.90 ft | on 03-05-1934 |
12. | 37.00 ft | on 03-01-1902 |
13. | 36.67 ft | on 01-14-1879 |
14. | 36.40 ft | on 04-21-1901 |
15. | 36.25 ft | on 01-07-1886 |
16. | 36.10 ft | on 02-26-1875 |
17. | 36.10 ft | on 03-14-1918 |
18. | 35.70 ft | on 01-17-1877 |
19. | 35.60 ft | on 01-02-1919 |
20. | 35.10 ft | on 11-25-1877 |
21. | 34.80 ft | on 03-28-1913 |
22. | 33.80 ft | on 10-29-1937 |
23. | 33.30 ft | on 08-03-1875 |
24. | 33.00 ft | on 03-24-1903 |
25. | 33.00 ft | on 06-14-1907 |
26. | 32.60 ft | on 12-16-1901 |
27. | 32.00 ft | on 02-04-1939 |
28. | 31.90 ft | on 03-07-1955 |
29. | 31.60 ft | on 04-11-1874 |
30. | 31.40 ft | on 06-24-1901 |
31. | 31.40 ft | on 04-23-1870 |
32. | 31.20 ft | on 08-11-1897 |
33. | 31.20 ft | on 03-18-1936 |
34. | 31.00 ft | on 11-27-1900 |
35. | 31.00 ft | on 04-02-1908 |
36. | 31.00 ft | on 08-15-1940 |
37. | 30.96 ft | on 03-23-1890 |
38. | 30.90 ft | on 06-01-1889 |
39. | 30.60 ft | on 01-09-1946 |
40. | 30.60 ft | on 10-03-1929 |
41. | 30.50 ft | on 01-01-1943 |
42. | 30.50 ft | on 12-31-1942 |
43. | 30.40 ft | on 02-02-1950 |
44. | 30.40 ft | on 03-29-1870 |
45. | 30.10 ft | on 05-13-1924 |
46. | 30.10 ft | on 01-17-1907 |
47. | 30.00 ft | on 11-20-2003 |
48. | 29.90 ft | on 02-03-1915 |
49. | 29.71 ft | on 03-02-2021 |
50. | 29.70 ft | on 02-18-1893 |
51. | 29.70 ft | on 03-05-1917 |
52. | 29.60 ft | on 02-26-1972 |
53. | 29.20 ft | on 07-17-1916 |
54. | 29.00 ft | on 02-16-1908 |
55. | 29.00 ft | on 01-30-1957 |
56. | 29.00 ft | on 02-16-1936 |
57. | 28.90 ft | on 06-25-2016 |
58. | 28.90 ft | on 01-15-1892 |
59. | 28.70 ft | on 03-13-2010 |
60. | 28.55 ft | on 01-24-1906 |
61. | 28.50 ft | on 02-23-2003 |
62. | 28.50 ft | on 03-07-1967 |
63. | 28.50 ft | on 03-10-1905 |
64. | 28.40 ft | on 04-09-1895 |
65. | 28.00 ft | on 04-05-1977 |
66. | 28.00 ft | on 05-13-1905 |
67. | 27.90 ft | on 03-12-1963 |
68. | 27.60 ft | on 03-05-2015 |
69. | 27.50 ft | on 01-21-1937 |
70. | 27.50 ft | on 02-18-1873 |
71. | 27.50 ft | on 04-04-1901 |
72. | 27.40 ft | on 01-19-1996 |
73. | 27.40 ft | on 12-31-1969 |
74. | 27.35 ft | on 04-23-1892 |
75. | 27.30 ft | on 02-14-1880 |
76. | 27.20 ft | on 01-24-1935 |
77. | 27.00 ft | on 05-05-1893 |
78. | 27.00 ft | on 05-10-1873 |
79. | 27.00 ft | on 01-26-1978 |
80. | 26.90 ft | on 01-03-1891 |
81. | 26.70 ft | on 03-31-1960 |
82. | 26.50 ft | on 01-11-1974 |
83. | 26.50 ft | on 11-20-1906 |
84. | 26.30 ft | on 02-24-2019 |
85. | 26.10 ft | on 03-30-1994 |
86. | 26.00 ft | on 02-27-1962 |
87. | 25.60 ft | on 05-28-1901 |
88. | 25.20 ft | on 04-17-2018 |
89. | 25.20 ft | on 03-05-1993 |
90. | 25.10 ft | on 02-01-2013 |
91. | 25.00 ft | on 03-07-1935 |
92. | 25.00 ft | on 12-25-1921 |
93. | 24.90 ft | on 03-24-1993 |
94. | 24.70 ft | on 04-16-2007 |
95. | 24.70 ft | on 04-25-1987 |
96. | 24.60 ft | on 01-07-1899 |
97. | 24.31 ft | on 02-07-2020 |
98. | 24.10 ft | on 02-11-1891 |
99. | 24.00 ft | on 01-22-1979 |
100. | 24.00 ft | on 02-12-2018 |
101. | 23.80 ft | on 10-10-1976 |
102. | 23.60 ft | on 07-30-2001 |
103. | 23.25 ft | on 04-12-1891 |
104. | 23.20 ft | on 03-20-1975 |
105. | 23.00 ft | on 03-22-1965 |
106. | 22.80 ft | on 03-04-1997 |
107. | 22.80 ft | on 03-07-1989 |
108. | 22.80 ft | on 01-17-2013 |
109. | 22.50 ft | on 03-06-1964 |
110. | 22.50 ft | on 04-28-1973 |
111. | 22.00 ft | on 03-30-1984 |
112. | 22.00 ft | on 01-25-1996 |
113. | 22.00 ft | on 02-15-1984 |
114. | 21.70 ft | on 03-06-2008 |
115. | 21.60 ft | on 02-26-1961 |
116. | 21.60 ft | on 05-07-1958 |
117. | 21.50 ft | on 11-06-1985 |
118. | 20.50 ft | on 02-04-1982 |
119. | 20.00 ft | on 03-16-1986 |
Low Water Records
1. | -0.10 ft | on 09-15-1881 |
2. | -0.10 ft | on 09-01-1861 |
3. | 1.00 ft | on 01-01-1879 |
4. | 5.00 ft | on 08-17-1988 |
5. | 6.00 ft | on 11-04-1989 |
Low Water Records
1. | -0.10 ft | on 09-15-1881 |
2. | -0.10 ft | on 09-01-1861 |
3. | 1.00 ft | on 01-01-1879 |
4. | 5.00 ft | on 08-17-1988 |
5. | 6.00 ft | on 11-04-1989 |
Vertical Datum Table
type | NAVD88 |
---|---|
major Flooding | 598.07 ft |
moderate Flooding | 593.07 ft |
minor Flooding | 588.07 ft |
action | 581.57 ft |
Latest Value | 566.75 ft |
Gauge Zero | 558.07 ft |
Gauge Photos
Probability Information
Unique Local Info
Potential River Levels Used to Estimate the Chance of Flooding and the Range of Possible River Levels |
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10 day (HEFS) | 10 Day (NAEFS) | River Forecast vs. River Potential |
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Note: Use the official hydrograph at the top of this web page for river levels within the next 72 hours.
See the Product Description Document link for more details on the interpretation of the 10 day graphics.
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
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- Past Precipitation
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- Ensemble River Forecasts
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- Ohio Basin Water Resources Outlook
- USGS Water Watch for West Virginia
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- USGS Water Watch for Kentucky
- USGS Water Watch for Virginia
- Inundation Mapping Locations
- Hydrometeorlogical Design Studies Center
- USACE Huntington District Water Information
- USACE Pittsburgh District Water Information
Additional Resource Links
- NWS Precipitation and River Forecasting
- Area Hydrographs
- Snow Information
- Rainfall Monitor
- Flood Safety
- U.S. Drought Monitor Conditions For West Virginia
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- U.S. Drought Monitor Conditions For Kentucky
- U.S. Drought Monitor Conditions For Virginia
- NOAA Climate Services