South Fork Shenandoah River at Front Royal
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 8.0 ft; minor flooding begins at 12.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 14.0 ft; major flooding begins at 18.0 ft.
| Action stage | 8.0 ft |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 12.0 ft |
| Moderate flooding | 14.0 ft |
| Major flooding | 18.0 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 34.8 ft on Oct 16, 1942 (historic crest)
- 32.6 ft on Sep 7, 1996 (historic crest)
- 32.4 ft on Nov 6, 1985 (historic crest)
- 26.0 ft on Mar 18, 1936 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 8.0 ft | A boat ramp near the end of Luray Avenue south of Front Royal floods. A second boat ramp near Bentonville also floods. |
|---|---|
| 10.0 ft | Hay fields near the gauge begin to flood. |
| 12.0 ft | Backwater begins to creep up Luray Avenue toward the railroad trestle. A riverside parking area at the end of Luray Avenue is flooded. |
| 14.0 ft | Railroad tracks along the river south of Front Royal begin to flood. Water approaches structures in Riverton. |
| 16.0 ft | Floodwaters approach lower portions of Shenandoah Shores Estates. |
| 17.0 ft | Backwater from the river reaches Rivermont Acres Drive. Water also approaches the Shenandoah Farms subdivision and covers a walking trail near the Front Royal boat ramp. |
| 18.0 ft | Significant portions of the railroad tracks running along the southwest side of Front Royal are flooded. |
| 20.0 ft | Backwater from the river reaches South River Road. Floodwaters cover the Indian Hollow Road bridge. |
| 22.0 ft | Water approaches structures on Rivermont Acres Drive. |
| 24.0 ft | Catlett Mountain Road begins to flood. |
Forecast office: NWS Sterling · River Forecast Center: Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center.
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Nearby stations and gauges
- Happy Creek at Front Royal NWS gauge · 1.4 mi
- Passage Creek near Buckton NWS gauge · 4.3 mi
- North Fork Shenandoah River near Strasburg NWS gauge · 8.0 mi
- Cedar Creek (VA) near Winchester NWS gauge · 13.2 mi
- Rappahannock River At Crest Hill Road NWS gauge · 14.5 mi
- Spout Run near Millwood NWS gauge · 15.4 mi