Blackwater River (VA) near FRANKLIN
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 3.0 ft; minor flooding begins at 5.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 10.0 ft; major flooding begins at 16.0 ft.
| Action stage | 3.0 ft |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 5.0 ft |
| Moderate flooding | 10.0 ft |
| Major flooding | 16.0 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 10.8 ft on Oct 10, 2016 (historic crest)
- 8.9 ft on Sep 21, 2020 (historic crest)
- 8.1 ft on Nov 14, 2020 (historic crest)
- 7.5 ft on Feb 20, 2021 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 3.0 ft | Water begins to flow over retaining wall on left downstream side of bridge in vicinity of the gage. |
|---|---|
| 3.5 ft | Water covers boat ramp docks at public boat ramp. |
| 4.5 ft | Water covers the docks/pier near the Gazebo. |
| 8.0 ft | Water overflows rip rap on right downstream side of bridge across US 58/258 in vicinity of the gage. Lowlands upstream of bridge now inundated. Roadway entrance to water treatment plant and public boat ramp begin to flood. |
| 13.0 ft | Gazebo near the Riverwalk is now flooded. |
| 16.0 ft | Businesses along Main Street and South Street begin to flood. |
| 20.0 ft | River stage sensor operating limit |
Forecast office: NWS Wakefield · River Forecast Center: Southeast River Forecast Center.
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Nearby stations and gauges
- Blackwater River (VA) above Franklin NWS gauge · 5.8 mi
- Nottoway River near RIVERDALE NWS gauge · 8.0 mi
- Nottoway River near Sebrell NWS gauge · 15.1 mi
- Blackwater River (VA) near ZUNI NWS gauge · 16.5 mi
- Parker's Ferry at Meherrin River NWS gauge · 16.9 mi
- Nansemond River at Suffolk (IN MLLW) NWS gauge · 19.0 mi