River stage
Washington, Potomac River
- River level
- 4.27 ft
- Status
- Below flood stage
- 7-day change
- +1.52 ft
- Recent high
- 4.12 ft
- Recent low
- 2.66 ft
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS BRKM2
- 30-day change
- +1.50 ft
- Average
- 2.98 ft
- Readings
- 122
- Data span
- 122 days
- Record crest
- 28.10 ft
In brief
The Potomac River at Washington, MD read 4.27 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 0.73 ft below action stage. That is 1.50 ft higher than 30 days earlier.
Source: National Weather Service gauge BRKM2
At this level: The river reaches caution level for boaters, as defined by the State of Maryland. Fast moving water and changing currents will be experienced.
Water 66 °F (19 °C) · about normal for this date
River level timeline
Stage threshold profile
Highest crests on record
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28.10 ft | 1936-03-19 |
| 2 | 26.88 ft | 1942-10-17 |
| 3 | 23.30 ft | 1937-04-28 |
| 4 | 22.03 ft | 1972-06-24 |
| 5 | 19.29 ft | 1996-01-21 |
| 6 | 17.99 ft | 1985-11-07 |
| 7 | 17.84 ft | 1996-09-08 |
| 8 | 17.60 ft | 1955-08-20 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
What happens at each level
- 3.50 ft
The river reaches caution level for boaters, as defined by the State of Maryland. Fast moving water and changing currents will be experienced.
- 4.50 ft
The river reaches danger level for boaters, as defined by the State of Maryland. Conditions for boating will be extremely hazardous.
- 5.00 ft
Portions of the Potomac Heritage Trail begin to flood. Water begins to affect portions of the Billy Goat Trail between Great Falls and Carderock. These trails will be closed.
- 5.50 ft
Water reaches the top of the ferry landing for Sycamore Island. Ferry service to the island will likely be suspended.
- 7.00 ft
Upper portions of the River Trail at Great Falls National Park begin to flood and will be closed.
- 9.00 ft
Several trails on both sides of the river between Great Falls and the Chain Bridge are flooded and will be closed.
- 10.00 ft
Water begins to overflow the banks into low lying areas on the Maryland side of the river near Little Falls. Water begins to enter the canoe shed at Sycamore Island.
- 11.00 ft
Water covers the towpath between Swains Lock and Pennyfield Lock, mileposts 17 to 19 on the C&O Canal.
- 11.50 ft
Water covers the towpath in multiple spots between the Washington Aqueduct Dam and Pennyfield Lock, mileposts 15 to 19 on the C&O Canal.
- 12.00 ft
The C&O Canal overflows at the Great Falls Tavern. Water covers the towpath in many areas.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Potomac River flooding at Washington?
No. The Potomac River at Washington is at 4.27 ft, 0.73 ft below action stage.
What is the flood stage at Washington?
The National Weather Service sets action stage 5 ft, minor flooding 10 ft, moderate flooding 12 ft and major flooding 14 ft.
What is the highest the Potomac River has been at Washington?
The highest crest on record is 28.1 ft, on 1936-03-19.
Is the Potomac River high or low right now at Washington?
At 4.27 ft it is higher than 100% of readings over the last 122 days.
How warm is the water at Washington, Potomac River?
The water temperature at Washington, Potomac River is 66 °F (18.7 °C), measured 6:50 pm by USGS, which is about average for this date over the past ten years. It has held steady over the last 24 hours.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge BRKM2); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 01646500). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.