Napa River near Napa

1. 32.00 ftDisastrous flooding. Widespread flooding occurs in the entire Napa Valley, with transportation impossible. Disastrous damage to homes and businesses in the Napa Valley, especially in the City of Napa.
2. 30.20 ftFLOOD OF RECORD. 2/18/86 Flood of record 30.20 feet (37,100 cfs).
3. 30.00 ftIn the City of Napa, flooding in the south oxbow area expands south towards Tulocay Creek and Imola Avenue begins to flood on both sides of the river. Major flooding continues in the Napa Valley, with major damage to homes and businesses, especially in Napa. Transportation impossible in the Napa Valley. 20,000 acres possibly flooded in the Napa Valley. Between 5,000 and 7,000 evacuations occurred in the 2/18/86 record flood, 37,000 cfs, 30.20 feet.
4. 29.00 ftIn the City of Napa, the Soscol corridor between the bypass and Lakepark in inundated, and the Lakepark area begins to flood and flow begins to leave the Napa River at Riverside Drive.
5. 28.00 ftMajor Flood Stage. In the City of Napa, significant flooding occurs near Lincoln Avenue with some secondary roads inundated. Major flooding of towns within the reach of the gage, especially in Napa. Inundation of agricultural land and major damage from bank erosion and sediment deposition in Napa Valley. Transportation difficult throughout the Napa Valley. The 1/1/1997 flood measured 28.07 feet and cut off east-west travel except at Highway 29 over the Napa River.
6. 27.00 ftIn the City of Napa, moderate flooding begins on the east side of Napa River near Milliken Creek Inn.
7. 26.00 ftModerate Flood Stage. In the City of Napa, flow begins to leave the Napa River channel in the South Coombs area (north of Imola Avenue) and the south oxbow (near Taylor Street). Crop losses and erosion damage become serious. Moderate flood damage in lower parts of urban areas along the reach. Transportation in the Napa Valley becoming difficult. The flood of 2/3/1998 measured 26.72 feet.
8. 25.00 ftFlood Stage. Flooding of lowest parts of towns in reach begins. Inundation of lowest agricultural land in Napa Valley. Some secondary roads are inundated. Moderate damage from bank erosion and sediment deposition throughout the reach.
9. 24.00 ftIn the City of Napa, flow begins to leave the Napa River channel at Riverpointe (north of Lincoln Avenue).
10. 22.00 ftAction Stage. In the City of Napa, the Napa River Dry Bypass is fully inundated and flow begins to cross McKinstry Street.
11. 20.00 ftErosion of lowest agricultural areas along river begins.

Chance of flooding, September to November

The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 27, 2024.

Most recent crests

• March 14, 2023: 19.43 ft
• March 10, 2023: 22.48 ft
• January 14, 2023: 20.10 ft
• January 9, 2023: 21.15 ft
• December 31, 2022: 11.75 ft
• October 24, 2021: 21.43 ft
• February 2, 2021: 4.11 ft
• December 8, 2019: 7.48 ft
• February 27, 2019: 26.47 ft
• March 22, 2018: 16.74 ft

• UpstreamNapa River at St. Helena
• Soda Creek at Napa
• Dry Creek (Napa) at Highway 29
• Milliken Creek at Atlas Peak Road
• Salvador Channel at Big Ranch Road
• Redwood Creek (Napa County) at Forest Drive
• Milliken Reservoir
• Milliken Creek at Milliken Reservoir
• Napa River at Lincoln Avenue

Forecasts by the California Nevada River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued routinely year-round.

Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service. Streamflow and the daily record from the U.S. Geological Survey.