James River (VA) at Buchanan
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 11.0 ft; minor flooding begins at 17.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 21.0 ft; major flooding begins at 26.0 ft.
| Action stage | 11.0 ft |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 17.0 ft |
| Moderate flooding | 21.0 ft |
| Major flooding | 26.0 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 38.8 ft on Nov 5, 1985 (historic crest)
- 31.0 ft on Mar 27, 1913 (historic crest)
- 30.5 ft on Jun 22, 1972 (historic crest)
- 29.3 ft on Jan 20, 1996 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 2.0 ft | Below this stage the river may be too low for boating activities. |
|---|---|
| 2.4 ft | Stages between 2.4 and 4 feet are considered ideal for boating activities. |
| 4.0 ft | Caution is suggested for James River boaters..between 4 and 6 feet. |
| 6.0 ft | Stages above 6 feet are considered too high for all but expert boaters. |
| 16.0 ft | Route 43 (Parkway Drive) is closed as water starts to reach the road. |
| 17.0 ft | Right bank above gage and flats above town on left bank are inundated. Mostly agricultural lands affected. |
| 20.0 ft | Farmlands and residential basements of buildings upstream (right bank) become flooded. |
| 22.0 ft | Additional buildings upstream of gage, and farmland flooding begins in vicinity of the gage. |
Forecast office: NWS Blacksburg · River Forecast Center: Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center.
James River (VA) at Buchanan in your pocket
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Nearby stations and gauges
- Looney Creek at Buchanan NWS gauge · 2.5 mi
- Bechner Branch at Buchanan NWS gauge · 6.9 mi
- Back Creek at Camp Bethel NWS gauge · 7.9 mi
- Town Branch near Fincastle NWS gauge · 11.4 mi
- Catawba Creek near Howell Mills NWS gauge · 12.4 mi
- Glade Creek Tributary at Blue Ridge NWS gauge · 13.7 mi