River stage
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS BNNV2
In brief
The James River at Buchanan, VA read 4.64 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 6.36 ft below action stage.
Source: National Weather Service gauge BNNV2
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 38.84 ft | 1985-11-05 |
| 2 | 31.00 ft | 1913-03-27 |
| 3 | 30.49 ft | 1972-06-22 |
| 4 | 29.26 ft | 1996-01-20 |
| 5 | 26.80 ft | 1936-03-18 |
| 6 | 25.66 ft | 2004-09-29 |
| 7 | 25.00 ft | 1902-03-01 |
| 8 | 24.81 ft | 1986-04-16 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
Below this stage the river may be too low for boating activities.
Stages between 2.4 and 4 feet are considered ideal for boating activities.
Caution is suggested for James River boaters..between 4 and 6 feet.
Stages above 6 feet are considered too high for all but expert boaters.
Route 43 (Parkway Drive) is closed as water starts to reach the road.
Right bank above gage and flats above town on left bank are inundated. Mostly agricultural lands affected.
Farmlands and residential basements of buildings upstream (right bank) become flooded.
Additional buildings upstream of gage, and farmland flooding begins in vicinity of the gage.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
At this level: Caution is suggested for James River boaters..between 4 and 6 feet.
No. The James River at Buchanan is at 4.64 ft, 6.36 ft below action stage.
The National Weather Service sets action stage 11 ft, minor flooding 17 ft, moderate flooding 21 ft and major flooding 26 ft.
The highest crest on record is 38.84 ft, on 1985-11-05.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge BNNV2); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 02080201). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.