River stage
Barbourville, Cumberland River
- River level
- 1.93 ft
- Status
- Below flood stage
- 7-day change
- +0.29 ft
- Recent high
- 8.52 ft
- Recent low
- 1.25 ft
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS BBVK2
- 30-day change
- +0.23 ft
- Average
- 2.47 ft
- Readings
- 122
- Data span
- 122 days
- Record crest
- 45.91 ft
In brief
The Cumberland River at Barbourville, KY read 1.93 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 19.57 ft below action stage. That is 0.23 ft higher than 30 days earlier.
Source: National Weather Service gauge BBVK2
River level timeline
Stage threshold profile
Highest crests on record
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 45.91 ft | 1977-04-06 |
| 2 | 42.80 ft | 1946-01-01 |
| 3 | 42.65 ft | 1973-11-29 |
| 4 | 42.30 ft | 1970-01-01 |
| 5 | 42.15 ft | 1957-01-30 |
| 6 | 41.60 ft | 1975-03-14 |
| 7 | 41.43 ft | 1963-03-13 |
| 8 | 40.83 ft | 1984-05-08 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
What happens at each level
- 27.00 ft
Low lying roads flood. Manchester street floods.
- 30.00 ft
Manchester Street and Miller Road east of US 25 E flood.
- 34.00 ft
Flooding threatens homes and businesses in unprotected areas.
- 36.60 ft
Roads begin flooding in Heidrick. Homes begin flooding on South Main Street.
- 38.50 ft
Homes begin flooding in Apple Grove, Sharp Gap and Smokey.
- 39.40 ft
Homes on Miller Road and Boone Heights begin flooding.
- 39.60 ft
KY 11 floods.
- 40.00 ft
Major flood threatens the protected area of Barbourville. US 25 E floods on both sides of the city.
- 40.29 ft
Closing of flood gates begins.
- 45.91 ft
Flooding will exceed the highest flood on record. Homes and businesses must be evacuated.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cumberland River flooding at Barbourville?
No. The Cumberland River at Barbourville is at 1.93 ft, 19.57 ft below action stage.
What is the flood stage at Barbourville?
The National Weather Service sets action stage 21.5 ft, minor flooding 27 ft, moderate flooding 33 ft and major flooding 38 ft.
What is the highest the Cumberland River has been at Barbourville?
The highest crest on record is 45.91 ft, on 1977-04-06.
Is the Cumberland River high or low right now at Barbourville?
At 1.93 ft it is higher than 34% of readings over the last 122 days.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge BBVK2); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 03403500). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.