River stage
McKinneysburg, Licking River
- River level
- 4.74 ft
- Status
- Below flood stage
- 7-day change
- +0.54 ft
- Recent high
- 10.31 ft
- Recent low
- 4.16 ft
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS MKBK2
- 30-day change
- -1.28 ft
- Average
- 5.54 ft
- Readings
- 122
- Data span
- 122 days
- Record crest
- 55.21 ft
In brief
The Licking River at McKinneysburg, KY read 4.74 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 27.26 ft below action stage. That is 1.28 ft lower than 30 days earlier.
Source: National Weather Service gauge MKBK2
River level timeline
Stage threshold profile
Highest crests on record
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 55.21 ft | 1997-03-02 |
| 2 | 50.26 ft | 1964-03-10 |
| 3 | 47.80 ft | 1937-01-20 |
| 4 | 47.59 ft | 1948-04-13 |
| 5 | 43.76 ft | 2025-04-06 |
| 6 | 43.75 ft | 1989-02-16 |
| 7 | 42.50 ft | 1921-12-01 |
| 8 | 41.08 ft | 1961-05-09 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
What happens at each level
- 33.00 ft
Some flooding occurs along the river in southern Pendleton County and is mainly confined to lowland and agricultural areas. Water approaches Colvin Bend Road and McKinneysburg Spur.
- 35.00 ft
Lowland flooding in southern Pendleton County, especially along McKinneysburg Road and in the Colvin Bend Road area, where high water makes the road impassible. Access to some homes near Colvin Bend Road and McKinneysburg Spur is cut off.
- 40.00 ft
Lowland flooding continues in southern Pendleton County, especially along McKinneysburg Road and in the Colvin Bend Road area. Water approaches some mobile homes and agricultural outbuildings along the river.
- 42.00 ft
Moderate flooding occurs with flooding in the McKinneysburg area worsening. Low areas along McKinneysburg Road and Colvin Bend Road receive the most flooding in southern Pendleton County, with some mobile homes and farm outbuildings flooded along the McKinneysburg Spur.
- 48.00 ft
Much of the basin in southern Pendleton County is inundated, including homes in the valley along McKinneysburg Spur and Colvin Bend Roads.
- 52.00 ft
This stage is roughly equal to the FEMA 1 percent flood in southeast Pendleton County. Backwater flooding affects Willow Creek...including flooding along Galloway Road which inundate farm buildings and potentially some farm houses.
- 55.00 ft
This equates to the flood of record, which occurred on March 1, 1997. Widespread major flooding occurs, with numerous homes along the river inundated.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Licking River flooding at McKinneysburg?
No. The Licking River at McKinneysburg is at 4.74 ft, 27.26 ft below action stage.
What is the flood stage at McKinneysburg?
The National Weather Service sets action stage 32 ft, minor flooding 35 ft, moderate flooding 42 ft and major flooding 50 ft.
What is the highest the Licking River has been at McKinneysburg?
The highest crest on record is 55.21 ft, on 1997-03-02.
Is the Licking River high or low right now at McKinneysburg?
At 4.74 ft it is higher than 39% of readings over the last 122 days.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge MKBK2); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 03251500). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.