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Potomac River at Point of Rocks

National Weather Service gauge PORM2 · Maryland · Frederick County · 39.2736, -77.5431 · USGS 01638500

Flood levels

Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 11.0 ft; minor flooding begins at 16.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 20.0 ft; major flooding begins at 27.0 ft.

Action stage11.0 ft
Minor flooding16.0 ft
Moderate flooding20.0 ft
Major flooding27.0 ft

Highest recorded crests

What the water does

National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.

2.0 ftThe river reaches caution level for boaters, as defined by the State of Maryland. Fast moving water and changing currents can be expected.
5.5 ftThe river reaches danger level for boaters, as defined by the State of Maryland. Conditions are extremely hazardous.
11.0 ftWater covers the parking lot of the Lander boat ramp. Campers and other recreational interests should begin to move away from the river.
12.5 ftThe Point of Rocks boat ramp is completely covered by water, and water begins to affect the lower parking lot nearby.
13.0 ftWater begins to cover low lying areas within the Brunswick campground.
14.0 ftWater completely covers the Nolands Ferry boat ramp and begins to flood the parking lot nearby.
15.0 ftSeveral lowland forested areas, mainly on islands, begin to flood.
16.0 ftThe parking lots at both the McKimmey and Brunswick boat ramps begin to flood. Flooding of an agricultural field adjacent to the McKimmey boat ramp is occurring. About half the lower parking lot of the Point of Rocks boat ramp is also flooded.
17.0 ftWater enters the comfort station at the Brunswick boat ramp parking area.
18.0 ftWater approaches structures at the Brunswick campground.
20.0 ftThe boat ramp and lower parking lot at Point of Rocks are flooded. Water approaches the water treatment plant in Brunswick. Farmland behind the Tarara Vineyard is flooded.
22.0 ftWater begins to cover the C&O Canal towpath near Point of Rocks and Brunswick.
23.0 ftFloodwaters completely cover the comfort station at the Brunswick boat ramp, and reach the comfort station at the Point of Rocks boat ramp. The upper parking lot at the Point of Rocks boat ramp begins to flood.
25.0 ftWater reaches outbuildings on the Loudoun County side of the river near Point of Rocks.
27.0 ftWater covers a large section of the C&O Canal towpath in Frederick County, Maryland. Water also reaches the railroad tracks at Point of Rocks.
29.0 ftWater completely covers the comfort station at the Point of Rocks boat ramp.
30.0 ftWater reaches a home on the Loudoun County side of the river near Point of Rocks. Water also reaches the Brunswick train yard and covers portions of the MARC parking lot at Point of Rocks, and covers Old Commerce Street in Point of Rocks.
31.0 ftWater reaches the MARC parking lot at Brunswick.
32.0 ftWater covers Maryland State Route 28 in Point of Rocks near the MARC station.
35.0 ftThe MARC station in Point of Rocks is flooded. At least two feet of water covers much of Maryland State Route 28 in the city. Water begins to enter homes and businesses in Point of Rocks along Route 28.
40.0 ftWater reaches the lowest portion of the city of Brunswick, above the railroad tracks.

Forecast office: NWS Sterling · River Forecast Center: Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center.

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