River stage
Pocahontas, Black River
- River level
- 0.52 ft
- Status
- Below flood stage
- 7-day change
- -0.66 ft
- Recent high
- 6.77 ft
- Recent low
- 0.37 ft
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS POCA4
- 30-day change
- -2.60 ft
- Average
- 2.52 ft
- Readings
- 122
- Data span
- 122 days
- Record crest
- 28.95 ft
In brief
The Black River at Pocahontas, AR read 0.52 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 15.48 ft below action stage. That is 2.60 ft lower than 30 days earlier.
Source: National Weather Service gauge POCA4
River level timeline
Stage threshold profile
Highest crests on record
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28.95 ft | 2017-05-03 |
| 2 | 28.47 ft | 2011-04-28 |
| 3 | 27.90 ft | 1915-08-04 |
| 4 | 26.56 ft | 2008-03-22 |
| 5 | 25.90 ft | 1927-04-17 |
| 6 | 25.68 ft | 2025-04-09 |
| 7 | 25.22 ft | 1982-12-07 |
| 8 | 25.08 ft | 2016-01-01 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
What happens at each level
- 17.00 ft
Agricultural lands along the river east and south of Pocahontas will be impacted by high water. Equipment and livestock should be moved to higher ground.
- 20.00 ft
Flooding of backwater up tributaries is spreading into lands along the Current, Fourche, and Black rivers. Water is spreading towards the northern edge of the airport.
- 22.00 ft
Moderate flood level, flooding on Fourche River, Pettit Creek, and Mill Creek. North fringe of airport may be flooding. High water on the Fourche River may be affecting State Highways 328 and 166. Houses along State Highway 166 may have water near foundations. Riverfront Park is partially flooded.
- 23.00 ft
Water around homes on State Highway 166. State Highway 166 and 328 may be flooded. Riverfront Park flooded. Several homes, cabins, and business at the State Highway 67 Bridge over the Current River are surrounded by water. Water getting near Pace Street at the north end of airport.
- 24.00 ft
Without temporary levee, water could be rising near homes along Pace Street. State Highway 166 and 328 flooded. Riverfront Park is flooded and water will be rising near businesses on West bank of river at U. S. Highway 67 Bridge. Homes along State Highway 166 flooded. Lower portions of Jansen Trail Road will become impacted. Property on Current River at U. S. Highway 67 bridge also flooded.
- 25.00 ft
Major flooding begins, residential flooding in Eastern Pocahontas, evacuations may be needed. April 2025 crest was 25.68 ft. Residential and business property along the Fourche, Black, and Current rivers will flood. Jansen Trail Road will become flooded and some homes may become impacted.
- 26.00 ft
River crested March 2008 at 26.5 feet. Much of the area around Pocahontas was flooded. U. S. Highway 67 floods between Pocahontas and Walnut Ridge. Running water levee overtopped. Numerous homes impacted by flooding or flooded access.
- 28.00 ft
Similar conditions to record flood event in April 2011 when river crested at 28.47 feet. Patrolling of levees become necessary.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Black River flooding at Pocahontas?
No. The Black River at Pocahontas is at 0.52 ft, 15.48 ft below action stage.
What is the flood stage at Pocahontas?
The National Weather Service sets action stage 16 ft, minor flooding 17 ft, moderate flooding 22 ft and major flooding 25 ft.
What is the highest the Black River has been at Pocahontas?
The highest crest on record is 28.95 ft, on 2017-05-03.
Is the Black River high or low right now at Pocahontas?
At 0.52 ft it is higher than 7% of readings over the last 122 days.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge POCA4); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 07069000). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.