North Branch Potomac River at Luke
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 9.0 ft; minor flooding begins at 10.5 ft; moderate flooding begins at 12.5 ft; major flooding begins at 15.0 ft.
| Action stage | 9.0 ft |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 10.5 ft |
| Moderate flooding | 12.5 ft |
| Major flooding | 15.0 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 17.1 ft on Oct 15, 1954 (historic crest)
- 17.0 ft on Mar 25, 1924 (historic crest)
- 16.8 ft on Mar 17, 1936 (historic crest)
- 15.5 ft on Aug 17, 1955 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 7.0 ft | Water begins to flow over the dam near the old paper mill in Luke. No flooding is occurring. |
|---|---|
| 10.5 ft | If water levels are elevated on Georges Creek, a combination of the creek and backwater from the Potomac will begin to flood the town of Westernport. Portions of Maryland Route 135 may be affected, and water will approach Westernport Elementary School. |
| 12.0 ft | Floodwaters begin to affect portions of Piedmont, West Virginia. |
| 12.5 ft | Backwater from the Potomac begins to flood the town of Westernport. Portions of Maryland Route 135 east of downtown may be affected, and water will approach Westernport Elementary School. This flooding will be more severe if Georges Creek is also in flood. |
| 13.5 ft | Maryland Route 135 begins to flood west of the town of Luke. Water also reaches the underside of railroad bridges near the old paper mill. |
| 15.0 ft | Significant flooding is occurring in Westernport and Piedmont, with buildings and roads flooded. |
| 16.0 ft | Water reaches the railroad tracks in the town of Westernport. |
| 17.0 ft | Levees protect the old paper mill at Luke up to approximately this level. If water reaches the top of the levee, water may affect structures. |
| 20.0 ft | Water overtops the railroad bridges at the old paper mill. |
Forecast office: NWS Sterling · River Forecast Center: Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center.
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Nearby stations and gauges
- Georges Creek near Franklin/Westernport NWS gauge · 1.7 mi
- North Branch Potomac River at Barnum NWS gauge · 3.4 mi
- Savage River near Bloomington NWS gauge · 3.5 mi
- Savage River at Savage River Dam NWS gauge · 4.2 mi
- North Branch Potomac River above Jennings Randolph Dam NWS gauge · 4.8 mi
- Savage River near Barton NWS gauge · 6.6 mi