Charles River at Dover
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 4.5 ft; minor flooding begins at 5.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 7.0 ft; major flooding begins at 8.0 ft.
| Action stage | 4.5 ft |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 5.0 ft |
| Moderate flooding | 7.0 ft |
| Major flooding | 8.0 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 9.2 ft on Aug 23, 1955 (historic crest)
- 9.1 ft on Mar 25, 1936 (historic crest)
- 9.0 ft on Jun 27, 1938 (historic crest)
- 8.7 ft on Mar 22, 1968 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 5.0 ft | People living along the Charles River should prepare for flooding of low lying areas along the river. Susceptible locations include low lying areas along Fisher Street in Needham and a small area on the South Natick and Wellesley line along River Street. |
|---|---|
| 6.0 ft | Flooding will affect a few homes in Needham along Fisher Street, as well as a portion of Route 109 at the Medfield and Millis town line. Some flooding is also likely on the South Natick and Wellesley town line along River Street. |
| 6.5 ft | Flooding affects homes along River Street in South Natick. Flood waters also affect part of Route 109 at the Medfield and Millis town line. Flooding will continue to increase in Needham along Fisher Street. |
| 7.0 ft | Flooding will close a portion of Mill Street in Dover. Flooding also affects low lying sections of Medway along Shaw Street and Charles River Road, as well as Route 109 at the Millis and Medfield town line. Flooding also is expected along Causeway Street in Medfield. Flooding affects homes along River Street in South Natick. |
| 8.0 ft | Flooding will impact portions of Dover, Medfield, Millis, Medway, South Natick, Needham and Wellesley With Road closures and local evacuations possible. |
| 9.0 ft | Anyone with interests along the Charles River must act now to protect life and property. If you are asked to evacuate, do so immediately. Flooding will impact portions of Dover, Medway, South Natick and Wellesley. Some roadways may become flooded. Never try to cross a flooded roadway. The road could be washed out. Know your alternate routes of travel. Some roads will be closed due to flooding. |
Forecast office: NWS Norton · River Forecast Center: Northeast River Forecast Center.
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Nearby stations and gauges
- Charles River at Wellesley NWS gauge · 4.5 mi
- Charles River at Mother Brook at Dedham NWS gauge · 4.9 mi
- Neponset River at Norwood NWS gauge · 6.2 mi
- Neponset River at Green Lodge St Canton NWS gauge · 6.7 mi
- Cochituate Brook at Framingham NWS gauge · 7.5 mi
- Charles River at Waltham NWS gauge · 8.1 mi