Rivers in Maryland
Wills Creek near Cumberland
Below flood stage
2.35ftStage
Observed Mon, Sep 28, 11:00 AM EDT
- Flood stage
- 10.00 ft
- Forecast crest
- 2.30 ftMon, Sep 28, 2:00 PM EDT
- Record crest
- 23.11 ft1996
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 14.00 ft |
| Moderate flood | 12.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 10.00 ft |
| Action | 9.00 ft |
- 23.00 ftThe levee system on Wills Creek protects the city of Cumberland from flooding to approximately this level.
- 22.00 ftSignificant portions of Maryland Route 36 at Motor City and National Highway in The Narrows are flooded, along with many homes and businesses in Motor City and Locust Grove.
- 18.00 ftPortions of the Western Maryland Railroad in The Narrows are underwater. Numerous homes and businesses in Motor City and Locust Grove are flooded.
- 14.00 ftSeveral businesses at Motor City and outside the levee protection north of Cumberland are flooded, along with at least a couple homes in Locust Grove. Water approaches low spots on Route 36, possibly affecting one lane.
- 12.00 ftWater reaches businesses in Motor City along route 36, and begins to approach homes in Locust Grove. Water may be approaching the lowest sections of the railroad tracks on the left bank. The tracks on the right bank will not be affected.
- 11.00 ftWater approaches businesses at Motor City. Vehicles must be moved to higher ground.
- 10.00 ftWater reaches a private bridge near Corriganville, and a car wash at Motor City. Water also reaches the parking lots of businesses along route 36 at Motor City. Vehicles may need to be moved to higher ground.
- 9.00 ftThe creek floods over its banks but no property is affected.
Flood outlook
Chance of flooding, September to November
| Category | Chance |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | Under 5% |
| Moderate flooding | Under 5% |
| Major flooding | Under 5% |
The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued August 28, 2026.
Crest history
38 crests on NOAA’s list since 1924.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 19, 1996 | 23.11 ft |
| 2 | March 17, 1936 | 20.20 ft |
| 3 | October 15, 1942 | 15.14 ft |
| 4 | August 13, 1984 | 14.94 ft |
| 5 | May 14, 2025 | 14.12 ft |
| 6 | September 2, 2021 | 14.11 ft |
| 7 | April 26, 1937 | 13.45 ft |
| 8 | March 29, 1924 | 13.00 ft |
| 9 | April 16, 1993 | 11.73 ft |
| 10 | September 9, 2018 | 11.57 ft |
| 11 | September 6, 1996 | 11.54 ft |
| 12 | March 29, 2005 | 11.41 ft |
| 13 | March 11, 2011 | 10.96 ft |
| 14 | March 13, 2010 | 10.85 ft |
| 15 | February 14, 1984 | 10.80 ft |
| 16 | October 16, 1954 | 10.70 ft |
| 17 | May 8, 1960 | 10.29 ft |
| 18 | October 30, 2012 | 10.27 ft |
| 19 | November 28, 1993 | 10.26 ft |
| 20 | June 23, 1972 | 10.06 ft |
| 21 | September 9, 2004 | 9.90 ft |
| 22 | June 21, 1983 | 9.79 ft |
| 23 | April 9, 1980 | 9.74 ft |
| 24 | April 13, 1981 | 9.57 ft |
| 25 | May 31, 1953 | 9.47 ft |
Most recent crests
- May 14, 2025: 14.12 ft
- September 2, 2021: 14.11 ft
- September 9, 2018: 11.57 ft
- October 30, 2012: 10.27 ft
- May 18, 2011: 8.66 ft
- April 17, 2011: 7.77 ft
- March 11, 2011: 10.96 ft
- March 13, 2010: 10.85 ft
- May 4, 2009: 8.92 ft
- March 5, 2008: 8.73 ft
Nearby
Upstream, downstream and the gauges around this one.
What this means
Forecasts by the Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued routinely year-round. Stage may be affected by ice.
Sources
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.