Monocacy River near Frederick at Interstate 70
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 13.0 ft; minor flooding begins at 15.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 17.0 ft; major flooding begins at 20.0 ft.
| Action stage | 13.0 ft |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 15.0 ft |
| Moderate flooding | 17.0 ft |
| Major flooding | 20.0 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 35.9 ft on Jun 23, 1972 (historic crest)
- 30.8 ft on Sep 26, 1975 (historic crest)
- 28.1 ft on Aug 24, 1933 (historic crest)
- 25.4 ft on Oct 10, 1976 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 5.0 ft | After rain events, the river may become hazardous for recreational purposes when stages are over 5 feet. |
|---|---|
| 10.0 ft | The east side of the Monocacy River, or left bank, begins to flood east of Frederick. Although no structures are affected, water approaches an access road at Pinecliff Park. |
| 13.0 ft | Water covers portions of Pinecliff Park in southeast Frederick. Water also approaches Rivermist Park in northeast Frederick. |
| 14.0 ft | Two low-water crossings, one on Michaels Mill Road /State Route 880/ in Buckeystown, and one on Retreat Road north of Frederick, begin to flood. |
| 15.0 ft | Both banks of the river are flooded. Water begins to flood low-lying fields at Monocacy National Battlefield. Water reaches the access road of the Frederick city wastewater treatment plant. Backwater flooding is occurring on several area creeks, particularly Carroll Creek in Frederick. |
| 16.0 ft | Much of Pinecliff Park and Rivermist Park in Frederick are flooded. Buckeystown Community Park is also flooded with water approaching the parking lot. Waters are also approaching the Frederick city wastewater treatment plant and the Ballenger Creek wastewater treatment plant. Significant backwater flooding is occurring. Several roads will be closed along the river and adjoining creeks. |
| 17.0 ft | Significant lowland flooding is occurring along the river, with backwater flooding also occurring. Numerous roads are closed. Water is approaching the parking lot at Gambrill Mill on the Monocacy National Battlefield. Backwater flooding from Carroll Creek is likely approaching the underside of the bridge leading to the Frederick city wastewater treatment plant. |
| 20.0 ft | Water reaches Gambrill Mill on the Monocacy National Battlefield. |
| 21.0 ft | Maryland Route 26 is flooded near the Monocacy River bridge. |
| 24.0 ft | Water approaches Urbana Pike near Monocacy National Battlefield. |
| 30.0 ft | Water reaches the second floor of Gambrill Mill on the Monocacy National Battlefield. |
Forecast office: NWS Sterling · River Forecast Center: Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center.
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Nearby stations and gauges
- Monocacy River at Monocacy Blvd. in Frederick NWS gauge · 2.9 mi
- Bennett Creek at Park Mills NWS gauge · 7.8 mi
- Soper Branch at Hyattstown, MD NWS gauge · 9.4 mi
- Catoctin Creek Near Middletown NWS gauge · 10.3 mi
- Monocacy River near Dickerson NWS gauge · 10.3 mi
- Ten Mile Creek near Clarksburg NWS gauge · 12.7 mi