River stage
Bent Creek, James River
- River level
- 5.34 ft
- Status
- Below flood stage
- 7-day change
- +2.60 ft
- Recent high
- 5.51 ft
- Recent low
- 2.59 ft
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS BECV2
- 30-day change
- +2.55 ft
- Average
- 3.03 ft
- Readings
- 122
- Data span
- 122 days
- Record crest
- 30.76 ft
In brief
The James River at Bent Creek, VA read 5.34 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 9.66 ft below action stage. That is 2.55 ft higher than 30 days earlier.
Source: National Weather Service gauge BECV2
River level timeline
Stage threshold profile
Highest crests on record
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30.76 ft | 1985-11-05 |
| 2 | 27.13 ft | 1972-06-21 |
| 3 | 24.77 ft | 1969-08-20 |
| 4 | 23.02 ft | 1936-03-18 |
| 5 | 22.10 ft | 1996-01-20 |
| 6 | 21.73 ft | 1987-04-17 |
| 7 | 21.02 ft | 1992-04-22 |
| 8 | 20.25 ft | 1987-09-08 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
What happens at each level
- 16.00 ft
Both banks begin to overflow, only pasture and cropland affected.
- 18.00 ft
Flooding of farmlands and field roads in the area.
- 22.00 ft
Some secondary roads are closed and some farm outbuildings affected.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the James River flooding at Bent Creek?
No. The James River at Bent Creek is at 5.34 ft, 9.66 ft below action stage.
What is the flood stage at Bent Creek?
The National Weather Service sets action stage 15 ft, minor flooding 16 ft, moderate flooding 18 ft and major flooding 22 ft.
What is the highest the James River has been at Bent Creek?
The highest crest on record is 30.76 ft, on 1985-11-05.
Is the James River high or low right now at Bent Creek?
At 5.34 ft it is higher than 99% of readings over the last 122 days.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge BECV2); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 02026000). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.