James River (VA) at Richmond Locks
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 6.0 ft; minor flooding begins at 8.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 19.0 ft; major flooding begins at 28.0 ft.
| Action stage | 6.0 ft |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 8.0 ft |
| Moderate flooding | 19.0 ft |
| Major flooding | 28.0 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 36.5 ft on Jun 23, 1972 (historic crest)
- 30.8 ft on Nov 7, 1985 (historic crest)
- 28.6 ft on Aug 22, 1969 (historic crest)
- 26.5 ft on Mar 30, 1936 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 8.0 ft | Minor flooding begins. |
|---|---|
| 9.0 ft | The Ancarrow's Boat Landing is closed at this level. |
| 11.0 ft | Rocketts Landing Park and the Virginia Capital Trail begin to flood. |
| 12.5 ft | Water covers Wharf Street and enters the Tunnel Building. |
| 18.5 ft | The main access into the waste water treatment plant is flooded from Maury Street into Brander Street. |
| 19.0 ft | Moderate flooding begins, Brander Street is closed. |
| 23.0 ft | Tredegar Street is closed. |
| 24.0 ft | Mayo Bridge is closed. |
| 27.0 ft | Intersection of 21st Street and Cary street is closed. |
| 28.0 ft | Major flooding begins. |
| 29.0 ft | Goodes Street is closed. |
| 33.5 ft | Near record flooding begins. |
| 35.0 ft | River stage sensor operating limit |
| 35.5 ft | Record flooding begins. |
| 41.0 ft | Flood wall is overtopped, protected area will need to be evacuated. |
Forecast office: NWS Wakefield · River Forecast Center: Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center.
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Nearby stations and gauges
- Richmond (river locks) NOAA tide station · 0.1 mi
- Broad Rock Creek at Rt 1 at Richmond NWS gauge · 2.9 mi
- Richmond Deepwater Terminal NOAA tide station · 4.5 mi
- Falling Creek at Hopkins Rd near Ampt Hill NWS gauge · 5.1 mi
- Falling Creek at Turner Road near Ampt Hill NWS gauge · 7.1 mi
- James River (VA) at Richmond-Westham NWS gauge · 7.4 mi