James River (VA) at Richmond-Westham
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 9.0 ft; minor flooding begins at 12.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 15.0 ft; major flooding begins at 22.0 ft.
| Action stage | 9.0 ft |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 12.0 ft |
| Moderate flooding | 15.0 ft |
| Major flooding | 22.0 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 28.6 ft on Jun 23, 1972 (historic crest)
- 24.9 ft on Aug 21, 1969 (historic crest)
- 24.8 ft on Nov 7, 1985 (historic crest)
- 23.4 ft on Mar 19, 1936 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 12.0 ft | Flood stage. Minor flooding along both banks. No damage at this level. |
|---|---|
| 13.0 ft | Approximately 20 acres of lowland flooded in vicinity of gage. |
| 13.5 ft | Portions of Huguenot Flatwater park begin to flood. |
| 14.0 ft | Portions of Riverside Drive begin to flood. |
| 15.0 ft | Begin moderate flooding. Residences near gage threatened by flood waters. |
| 16.0 ft | Water is getting into the parking lot at Huguenot Flatwater Park and Pony Pasture. Additionally, portions of the Willow Oaks County Club is flooded. Sections of Riverside Drive are closed due to flooding. |
| 17.0 ft | Water infiltrates several homes near the gage, downstream of the Huguenot Bridge. |
| 18.2 ft | CSX Railroad tracks flooded. |
| 22.0 ft | Major flooding begins. Downstream industries, shops and streets along the riverfront are flooded at and above this level. |
| 23.0 ft | Richmond City Water Filtration Plant endangered. |
| 27.0 ft | Near record flooding begins. |
| 28.6 ft | Flood of record during Hurricane Agnes. |
| 32.0 ft | River stage sensor operating limit |
Forecast office: NWS Wakefield · River Forecast Center: Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center.
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Nearby stations and gauges
- James River (VA) at KANAWHA CANAL near Richmond NWS gauge · 1.5 mi
- Pocoshock Creek at Rt 360 near Falling Creek Farms NWS gauge · 6.8 mi
- James River (VA) at Richmond Locks NWS gauge · 7.4 mi
- Richmond (river locks) NOAA tide station · 7.4 mi
- Broad Rock Creek at Rt 1 at Richmond NWS gauge · 7.7 mi
- Falling Creek at Lucks Lane Near Lake Crystal Farms NWS gauge · 7.8 mi