River Conditions
Illustrated map of Lake Tahoe

River stage

Nicolaus, Feather River

River level
18.95 ft
Status
Below flood stage
Action stage
39.00 ft
Flood stage
47.00 ft
Record crest
51.60 ft

Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS NCOC1

Record crest
51.60 ft
Flood stage
47.00 ft
Moderate flood
48.00 ft
Major flood
53.40 ft
Crest date
1955-12-23

In brief

The Feather River at Nicolaus, CA read 18.95 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 20.05 ft below action stage.

Source: National Weather Service gauge NCOC1

Stage threshold profile

Action stage 39.00 ftMinor flooding 47.00 ftModerate flooding 48.00 ftMajor flooding 53.40 ft CURRENT 18.95 ft

Highest crests on record

RankCrestDate
1 51.60 ft 1955-12-23
2 51.55 ft 1964-12-23
3 50.75 ft 1940-03-30
4 50.40 ft 1997-01-02
5 49.10 ft 1986-02-20
6 48.63 ft 1997-01-04
7 47.80 ft 1950-12-21
8 46.13 ft 1958-02-26

Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.

What happens at each level

  1. 53.40 ft

    Stages above 53.4 feet result in flooding outside of the levees. Top of levee.

Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Feather River flooding at Nicolaus?

No. The Feather River at Nicolaus is at 18.95 ft, 20.05 ft below action stage.

What is the flood stage at Nicolaus?

The National Weather Service sets action stage 39 ft, minor flooding 47 ft, moderate flooding 48 ft and major flooding 53.4 ft.

What is the highest the Feather River has been at Nicolaus?

The highest crest on record is 51.6 ft, on 1955-12-23.

Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge NCOC1). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.