River stage
McKenna, Nisqually River
- River level
- 1.24 ft
- Status
- Below flood stage
- 7-day change
- -0.02 ft
- Recent high
- 1.62 ft
- Recent low
- 0.98 ft
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS MKNW1
- 30-day change
- +0.21 ft
- Average
- 1.29 ft
- Readings
- 122
- Data span
- 122 days
- Record crest
- 17.13 ft
In brief
The Nisqually River at McKenna, WA read 1.24 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 6.76 ft below action stage. That is 0.21 ft higher than 30 days earlier.
Source: National Weather Service gauge MKNW1
River level timeline
Stage threshold profile
Highest crests on record
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 17.13 ft | 1996-02-08 |
| 2 | 13.00 ft | 1965-01-29 |
| 3 | 12.48 ft | 1995-11-30 |
| 4 | 12.39 ft | 1980-12-26 |
| 5 | 12.38 ft | 1955-12-12 |
| 6 | 12.09 ft | 2020-02-07 |
| 7 | 11.78 ft | 1959-11-23 |
| 8 | 11.31 ft | 1990-01-10 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
What happens at each level
- 10.00 ft
the Nisqually River will flood at the lower end near the mouth. High tide levels on Puget Sound may increase the amount of flooding. The Nisqually River will also spill over its banks between La Grande and McKenna.
- 12.00 ft
the Nisqually River will flood from La Grande downstream through McKenna to the mouth. Flood waters will flow over some roads and through farms and residential areas. Erosion may damage some properties. High tidal levels on Puget Sound will cause flooding along the lower reaches...threatening homes along Riverside Drive...Cononie Street and Conine Avenue.
- 13.00 ft
the Nisqually River will flood from La Grande downstream through McKenna to the mouth. Swift waters will flood roads...farms...and some residential areas including the nursing home in McKenna. Erosion will likely damage properties along river banks.
- 14.00 ft
the Nisqually River will cause major flooding from La Grande downstream through McKenna to the mouth. Deep and swift waters will flood roads...farms...and residential areas...including the nursing home in McKenna. Erosion may cause severe damage. Flooding will occur all along the river including headwaters...tributaries...and other streams within and near the Nisqually River Basin.
- 16.00 ft
the Nisqually River will cause severe near record flooding from La Grande downstream through McKenna to the mouth. Deep and swift flood waters will inundate roads...farms...and residential areas...including the nursing home in McKenna. Erosion will likely cause severe damage. Flooding will occur all along the river including headwaters...tributaries...and other streams within and near the Nisqually River Basin.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nisqually River flooding at McKenna?
No. The Nisqually River at McKenna is at 1.24 ft, 6.76 ft below action stage.
What is the flood stage at McKenna?
The National Weather Service sets action stage 8 ft, minor flooding 10 ft, moderate flooding 13 ft and major flooding 14 ft.
What is the highest the Nisqually River has been at McKenna?
The highest crest on record is 17.13 ft, on 1996-02-08.
Is the Nisqually River high or low right now at McKenna?
At 1.24 ft it is higher than 31% of readings over the last 122 days.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge MKNW1); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 12089500). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.