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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 James River (VA) at Buchanan are issued routinely year-round.

Vertical Datum updated from NGVD29 to NAVD88 by gauge owner.

Return to Area Map

Upstream Gauge - at Lick Run Upstream Gauge Downstream Gauge Downstream Gauge - at Holcomb Rock
Zoom Level:16
Flood Categories (in feet)
Major Flood Stage: 26
Moderate Flood Stage: 21
Flood Stage: 17
Action Stage: 11
Low Stage (in feet): -9999

Historic Crests
(1) 38.84 ft on 11/05/1985
(2) 31.00 ft on 03/27/1913
(3) 30.49 ft on 06/22/1972
(4) 29.26 ft on 01/20/1996
(5) 26.80 ft on 03/18/1936
Show More Historic Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Recent Crests
(1) 14.00 ft on 02/18/2023 (P)
(2) 13.38 ft on 02/13/2023 (P)
(3) 11.40 ft on 05/28/2022
(4) 11.71 ft on 02/05/2022
(5) 11.20 ft on 09/23/2021
Show More Recent Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Low Water Records
(1) 1.26 ft on 09/14/1981
(2) 1.44 ft on 09/08/1966
(3) 1.46 ft on 01/09/1950
(4) 1.53 ft on 08/29/1964
(5) 1.55 ft on 09/30/1968
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
22 Additional buildings upstream of gage, and farmland flooding begins in vicinity of the gage.
20 Farmlands and residential basements of buildings upstream (right bank) become flooded.
17 Right bank above gage and flats above town on left bank are inundated. Mostly agricultural lands affected.
16 Route 43 (Parkway Drive) is closed as water starts to reach the road.
6 Stages above 6 feet are considered too high for all but expert boaters.
4 Caution is suggested for James River boaters..between 4 and 6 feet.
2.4 Stages between 2.4 and 4 feet are considered ideal for boating activities.
2 Below this stage the river may be too low for boating activities.
Photos
(1) Upstream of James River from Rte. 11 bridge - June 24, 2016; stage ~19.5 ft.
(2) Downstream of James River from Rte. 11 bridge - June 24, 2016; stage ~19.5 ft.
(3) Upstream right bank; town of Buchanan, VA - June 24, 2016; stage ~19.5 ft.
(4) Route 43 in Buchanan closed by flooding from James R. - June 24, 2016; stage ~19.5 ft.
(5) Lowe St. in Buchanan flooded - June 24, 2016; stage ~19.5 ft.
(6) USGS gauge house on left bank of James - June 24, 2016; stage ~19.5 ft.
(7) USGS gauge house on left bank of James - June 24, 2016

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) 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 48 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
Blacksburg Weather Forecast Office
1750 Forecast Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 553-8900
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