Potomac River at Paw Paw
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 22.5 ft; minor flooding begins at 25.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 30.0 ft; major flooding begins at 37.0 ft.
| Action stage | 22.5 ft |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 25.0 ft |
| Moderate flooding | 30.0 ft |
| Major flooding | 37.0 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 54.0 ft on Mar 18, 1936 (historic crest)
- 53.6 ft on Nov 5, 1985 (historic crest)
- 45.0 ft on Jun 1, 1889 (historic crest)
- 45.0 ft on Nov 24, 1877 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 5.0 ft | The river reaches caution level for boaters as defined by the State of Maryland. Fast moving water and current changes can be expected. |
|---|---|
| 11.0 ft | The river reaches danger level for boaters as defined by the State of Maryland. At danger level, conditions are considered extremely hazardous. |
| 22.5 ft | Water reaches the top of the boat ramp in Paw Paw Festival Park. |
| 25.0 ft | A parking area adjacent to the highway bridge begins to flood. The roadway to the C&O Canal parking area floods, as does the lowest end of the Purslane Run hiker/biker area. |
| 26.0 ft | Water covers an access road on the West Virginia side. |
| 30.0 ft | Paw Paw Tunnel Campground begins to flood. |
| 34.0 ft | Water reaches the settling pond next to Paw Paw Park. |
| 37.0 ft | Floodwaters cover both West Virginia Route 9 and Maryland Route 51. Businesses in the town of Paw Paw begin to flood. |
| 40.0 ft | The right bank of the river floods extensive sections of the town of Paw Paw, north of the B&O Railroad. The towpath of the C&O Canal also begins to flood. |
| 46.0 ft | Water approaches the intersection of West Virginia Route 9 and Winchester Street in Paw Paw. |
| 50.0 ft | Homes in Paw Paw begin to flood. |
| 62.0 ft | Water covers the bridge over the Potomac at the state line in Paw Paw. |
Forecast office: NWS Sterling · River Forecast Center: Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center.
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Nearby stations and gauges
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- South Branch Potomac River near Springfield NWS gauge · 12.3 mi
- Tributary to Warm Springs Run near Berkeley Springs NWS gauge · 13.0 mi
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