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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 Potomac River at Paw Paw are issued routinely year-round.
Return to Area Map

Downstream Gauge Downstream Gauge - at Hancock
Zoom Level:13
Flood Categories (in feet)
Major Flood Stage: 37
Moderate Flood Stage: 30
Flood Stage: 25
Action Stage: 22.5
Low Stage (in feet): -9999

Historic Crests
(1) 54.00 ft on 03/18/1936
(2) 53.58 ft on 11/05/1985
(3) 45.00 ft on 06/01/1889
(4) 45.00 ft on 11/24/1877
(5) 43.50 ft on 03/29/1924
Show More Historic Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Recent Crests
(1) 25.33 ft on 12/16/2018
(2) 25.90 ft on 09/28/2018
(3) 25.24 ft on 06/03/2018
(4) 28.67 ft on 05/19/2011
(5) 24.81 ft on 03/11/2011
Show More Recent Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Low Water Records
(1) 2.98 ft on 09/11/1943
(2) 3.00 ft on 09/10/1966
(3) 3.02 ft on 10/29/1967
(4) 3.04 ft on 10/10/1968
(5) 3.06 ft on 09/11/1965
Show More Low Water Records
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
62 Water covers the bridge over the Potomac at the state line in Paw Paw.
50 Homes in Paw Paw begin to flood.
46 Water approaches the intersection of West Virginia Route 9 and Winchester Street in Paw Paw.
40 The right bank of the river floods extensive sections of the town of Paw Paw, north of the B&O Railroad. The towpath of the C&O Canal also begins to flood.
37 Floodwaters cover both West Virginia Route 9 and Maryland Route 51. Businesses in the town of Paw Paw begin to flood.
34 Water reaches the settling pond next to Paw Paw Park.
30 Paw Paw Tunnel Campground begins to flood.
26 Water covers an access road on the West Virginia side.
25 A parking area adjacent to the highway bridge begins to flood. The roadway to the C&O Canal parking area floods, as does the lowest end of the Purslane Run hiker/biker area.
22.5 Water reaches the top of the boat ramp in Paw Paw Festival Park.
11 The river reaches danger level for boaters as defined by the State of Maryland. At danger level, conditions are considered extremely hazardous.
5 The river reaches caution level for boaters as defined by the State of Maryland. Fast moving water and current changes can be expected.
Photos
(1) At Wellhouse Looking from MD into WV

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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