River stage
Edwards Ferry, Potomac River
- River level
- 7.08 ft
- Status
- Below flood stage
- 7-day change
- +3.72 ft
- Recent high
- 6.73 ft
- Recent low
- 3.16 ft
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS EDFM2
- 30-day change
- +3.07 ft
- Average
- 4.02 ft
- Readings
- 122
- Data span
- 122 days
- Record crest
- 22.45 ft
In brief
The Potomac River at Edwards Ferry, MD read 7.08 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 5.17 ft below action stage. That is 3.07 ft higher than 30 days earlier.
Source: National Weather Service gauge EDFM2
River level timeline
Stage threshold profile
Highest crests on record
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22.45 ft | 2018-06-05 |
| 2 | 21.80 ft | 2018-09-29 |
| 3 | 21.57 ft | 2018-09-29 |
| 4 | 21.25 ft | 2025-05-15 |
| 5 | 21.09 ft | 2014-05-17 |
| 6 | 20.98 ft | 2018-12-17 |
| 7 | 20.31 ft | 2018-09-11 |
| 8 | 19.77 ft | 2012-10-31 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
What happens at each level
- 12.25 ft
Water reaches the Whites Ferry area. Ferry service may be suspended.
- 14.70 ft
The Chisel Branch Hiker/Biker Campsite near the C&O Canal trail starts flooding.
- 15.00 ft
Water reaches the boat ramp and lower parking area at Edwards Ferry, and begins to inundate areas near Whites Ferry.
- 17.00 ft
Floodwaters begin to enter the store at Whites Ferry.
- 18.50 ft
The parking lot at Edwards Ferry is completely covered by water. The parking lot at Seneca is partially flooded.
- 20.00 ft
The basements of the Edwards Ferry Lockhouse and Rileys Lockhouse are flooded. Backwater flooding may affect homes on the Loudoun County side of the river near Broad Run in Sterling.
- 24.00 ft
Water reaches the first floor ceiling at Whites Ferry store. Significant portions of the C&O Canal towpath are flooded. Backwater flooding is affecting homes on the Loudoun County side of the river near Broad Run in Sterling.
- 26.00 ft
Water covers the lock at Edwards Ferry. The access road to Violettes Lock is flooded.
- 28.00 ft
Tchiffely Mill Road begins to flood due to backwater effects. Most of the C&O Canal towpath is flooded.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Potomac River flooding at Edwards Ferry?
No. The Potomac River at Edwards Ferry is at 7.08 ft, 5.17 ft below action stage.
What is the flood stage at Edwards Ferry?
The National Weather Service sets action stage 12.25 ft, minor flooding 15 ft, moderate flooding 17 ft and major flooding 24 ft.
What is the highest the Potomac River has been at Edwards Ferry?
The highest crest on record is 22.45 ft, on 2018-06-05.
Is the Potomac River high or low right now at Edwards Ferry?
At 7.08 ft it is higher than 100% of readings over the last 122 days.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge EDFM2); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 01644148). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.