Western Branch at Upper Marlboro
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 9.0 ft; minor flooding begins at 11.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 16.0 ft; major flooding begins at 19.0 ft.
| Action stage | 9.0 ft |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 11.0 ft |
| Moderate flooding | 16.0 ft |
| Major flooding | 19.0 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 21.2 ft on Sep 8, 2011 (historic crest)
- 18.6 ft on May 12, 2008 (historic crest)
- 16.8 ft on Aug 28, 2011 (historic crest)
- 15.4 ft on Sep 16, 1999 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 9.0 ft | Water begins to overflow the banks into the wide floodplain near Upper Marlboro. |
|---|---|
| 11.0 ft | The Water Street bridge in Upper Marlboro is completely covered by water. |
| 12.0 ft | Much of Race Track Road floods between Marlboro Pike and the community center. |
| 14.0 ft | Water covers almost all of the pedestrian bridge paralleling Water Street, and covers Water Street from the MD Route 4 westbound exit ramps to Judges Street. |
| 16.0 ft | Floodwaters reach the parking lot of businesses off US 301. Water also approaches the southern perimeter of the Prince Georges Equestrian Center grounds. |
| 19.0 ft | US 301 begins to flood from the bridge northward to the intersection with Marlboro Square Shopping Center. Nearby businesses begin to flood. Marlboro Pike/Main Street also floods at the river, with water approaching nearby homes and businesses. |
| 21.0 ft | More than a quarter mile of US 301 is flooded. Several businesses south of Maryland Route 4 are flooded with significant damage likely. A small portion of the lower grounds of the Prince Georges Equestrian Center floods. Water approaches the westernmost and lowermost portion of the Prince Georges County Courthouse. |
Forecast office: NWS Sterling · River Forecast Center: Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center.
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Nearby stations and gauges
- School House Pond at Upper Marlboro NWS gauge · 0.3 mi
- Depot Pond at Upper Marlboro NWS gauge · 0.6 mi
- Western Branch at Upper Marlboro / Marlboro Country Club NWS gauge · 0.9 mi
- Back Branch near Upper Marlboro / Brown Landfill NWS gauge · 2.6 mi
- near Bristol NWS gauge · 2.9 mi
- Cabin Branch near Upper Marlboro / Ritchie Marlboro Road NWS gauge · 3.7 mi