Potomac River at Edwards Ferry
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 12.2 ft; minor flooding begins at 15.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 17.0 ft; major flooding begins at 24.0 ft.
| Action stage | 12.2 ft |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 15.0 ft |
| Moderate flooding | 17.0 ft |
| Major flooding | 24.0 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 22.4 ft on Jun 5, 2018 (historic crest)
- 21.8 ft on Sep 29, 2018 (historic crest)
- 21.6 ft on Sep 29, 2018 (historic crest)
- 21.2 ft on May 15, 2025 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 12.2 ft | Water reaches the Whites Ferry area. Ferry service may be suspended. |
|---|---|
| 14.7 ft | The Chisel Branch Hiker/Biker Campsite near the C&O Canal trail starts flooding. |
| 15.0 ft | Water reaches the boat ramp and lower parking area at Edwards Ferry, and begins to inundate areas near Whites Ferry. |
| 17.0 ft | Floodwaters begin to enter the store at Whites Ferry. |
| 18.5 ft | The parking lot at Edwards Ferry is completely covered by water. The parking lot at Seneca is partially flooded. |
| 20.0 ft | The basements of the Edwards Ferry Lockhouse and Rileys Lockhouse are flooded. Backwater flooding may affect homes on the Loudoun County side of the river near Broad Run in Sterling. |
| 24.0 ft | Water reaches the first floor ceiling at Whites Ferry store. Significant portions of the C&O Canal towpath are flooded. Backwater flooding is affecting homes on the Loudoun County side of the river near Broad Run in Sterling. |
| 26.0 ft | Water covers the lock at Edwards Ferry. The access road to Violettes Lock is flooded. |
| 28.0 ft | Tchiffely Mill Road begins to flood due to backwater effects. Most of the C&O Canal towpath is flooded. |
Forecast office: NWS Sterling · River Forecast Center: Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center.
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Nearby stations and gauges
- Broad Run near Sterling NWS gauge · 4.2 mi
- Limestone Branch near Leesburg NWS gauge · 5.9 mi
- Seneca Creek at Dawsonville NWS gauge · 7.5 mi
- Goose Creek near Leesburg NWS gauge · 7.9 mi
- South Fork Catoctin Creek near Waterford NWS gauge · 10.0 mi
- North Fork Catoctin Creek near Waterford NWS gauge · 11.0 mi