Rivers in Michigan
Rouge River at Detroit
Below flood stage
5.26ftStage
Observed Wed, Sep 23, 4:45 AM EDT
- Flood stage
- 15.00 ft
- Record crest
- 21.40 ft1968
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 20.00 ft |
| Moderate flood | 18.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 15.00 ft |
| Action | 13.00 ft |
- 21.00 ftFenkell Avenue floods to a depth of 3 feet and some businesses along Fenkell, where it crosses the upper rouge, flood. Evacuation of several residents is likely with many basements flooding in Livonia.
- 18.00 ftFlooding begins on Fenkell Avenue, Middlebelt Road, several side streets and residential areas in Redford Township and Livonia.
- 15.00 ftFlooding begins in some park areas, the River Rouge Municipal Golf Course, and a few homes. Most flood damage occurs on the Upper Rouge River with minor flooding occurring on the main branch.
- 14.00 ftThe river reaches bankfull.
Flood outlook
Chance of flooding, September to November
| Category | Chance |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 6% |
| 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
49 crests on NOAA’s list since 1950.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 26, 1968 | 21.40 ft |
| 2 | May 26, 2011 | 20.23 ft |
| 3 | October 1, 1981 | 19.92 ft |
| 4 | June 26, 2021 | 18.94 ft |
| 5 | June 26, 2021 | 18.94 ft |
| 6 | June 22, 1989 | 17.72 ft |
| 7 | January 12, 2020 | 17.56 ft |
| 8 | May 13, 2018 | 17.54 ft |
| 9 | August 12, 2014 | 17.51 ft |
| 10 | August 6, 1998 | 17.36 ft |
| 11 | February 21, 2018 | 17.24 ft |
| 12 | February 18, 1998 | 17.22 ft |
| 13 | July 25, 2021 | 17.21 ft |
| 14 | February 23, 1990 | 17.19 ft |
| 15 | May 26, 1991 | 17.17 ft |
| 16 | January 27, 2024 | 16.97 ft |
| 17 | February 10, 2001 | 16.80 ft |
| 18 | July 3, 1997 | 16.58 ft |
| 19 | July 29, 1976 | 16.52 ft |
| 20 | June 1, 2015 | 16.44 ft |
| 21 | November 30, 2011 | 16.40 ft |
| 22 | September 15, 2008 | 16.30 ft |
| 23 | April 29, 1956 | 16.29 ft |
| 24 | April 16, 2018 | 16.09 ft |
| 25 | July 9, 1957 | 16.07 ft |
Most recent crests
- August 3, 2024: 15.02 ft
- January 27, 2024: 16.97 ft
- August 25, 2023: 15.05 ft
- February 18, 2022: 15.85 ft
- July 25, 2021: 17.21 ft
- June 26, 2021: 18.94 ft
- June 26, 2021: 18.94 ft
- January 12, 2020: 17.56 ft
- May 13, 2018: 17.54 ft
- April 16, 2018: 16.09 ft
Nearby
Upstream, downstream and the gauges around this one.
What this means
Forecasts by the North Central River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available. River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 24 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.
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.