South Branch Potomac River near Petersburg

Last updated: Jul 25, 2025, 12:49 AM UTC

Flood Impacts 🅘

  • 22.5 - Significant flooding is occurring. More than a hundred buildings in Petersburg are flooded.
  • 20 - Several city blocks on the south side of Petersburg are flooded. Backwater may also flood portions of the eastern sections of the city.
  • 18 - 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.

Gauge Info

Coordinates 38.9911, -79.1761
RFC MARFC
State WV
WFO LWX
County Grant
Data Provider(s)
US Geological Survey USGS--Water Resources of the United States
USGS 01606500

Gauge Location

Recent Crests

1. 12.25 ft on 03-01-2021
2. 16.93 ft on 04-16-2018
3. 14.38 ft on 05-16-2014
4. 12.80 ft on 05-08-2013
5. 11.80 ft on 05-18-2011

Historic Crests

1. 22.83 ft on 06-17-1949
2. 22.20 ft on 09-06-1996
3. 21.80 ft on 11-05-1985
4. 21.20 ft on 11-24-1877
5. 20.30 ft on 03-17-1936

Vertical Datum Table

type NAVD88
major Flooding 984.87 ft
moderate Flooding 982.87 ft
minor Flooding 981.87 ft
action 979.87 ft
Latest Value 972.49 ft
Gauge Zero 967.87 ft

Gauge Photos

No Images Found

Probability Information

Photo 1 of 3

Unique Local Info

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

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.

WFO Information

Weather Forecast Office
(Baltimore/Washington) Sterling
43858 Weather Service Rd.
Sterling, VA 20166
Official Homepage