Middle Fork Feather River near Portola

1. 4856.5 ftMajor to near record flooding. Major damages to transportation, homes and businesses. Similar to January 1997, and in excess of February 9, 2017. Potential for rapid rises and major impacts from tributary streams. Tributary impacts may significantly proceed main-stem peak flows.
2. 4855.5 ftMajor Flood Stage. Major disruptions to transportation with significant impacts to homes and businesses between Beckworth and Clio. Approaching levels of February 9, 2017. Potential for rapid rises and major impacts from tributary streams. Impacts below Portola influenced by magnitude of tributary flows, especially Sulphur Creek. Tributary impacts may significantly proceed main-stem peak flows.
3. 4854.5 ftModerate flooding of businesses, homes, structures, and roads, including Highway 89 near Clio, portions of Highway 70, and low lying homes from Beckwourth to Clio. Impacts below Portola influenced by magnitude of tributary flows, especially Sulphur Creek.
4. 4854.0 ftModerate flooding of lowlands, roads, homes, businesses and structures along river from Beckwourth to Clio. Lowest homes on West Street begin to flood. Impacts below Portola influenced by magnitude of tributary flows, especially Sulphur Creek. Similar level to February 22nd, 2017, and slightly exceeding flooding of January 9, 2017.
5. 4853.5 ftModerate Flood Stage. Flooding of lowlands, structures, and roads from Beckwourth to Clio. Several low lying structures along river in Portola flood. Evacuation of homes on south end of West Street may be necessary. Highway 89 near Clio likely flooded. Impacts below Portola influenced by magnitude of tributary flows, especially Sulphur Creek. Similar level to 1/9/2017.
6. 4853.0 ftMinor flooding of lowlands, roads, and low-lying structures between Beckwourth to Clio. In Portola the lowest lying buildings and businesses on highway 70 may begin to experience some minor flooding. Water along West Street nearing lowest homes along river. Highway 89 near Clio likely flooded. Potential for greater impacts in the lower portion of the reach with large contribution from tributary creeks. Similar level to 3/23/2018.
7. 4852.5 ftFlood stage. Minor flooding of lowlands, rural roads, agricultural areas, and some low structures between Beckwourth and Clio. In Portola, water nearing lowest lying businesses along Highway 70 on west edge of Portola. The south end of West Street in Portola floods. Portions of Highway 89 near Clio may begin to flood. Potential for greater impacts in the lower portion of the reach with large contribution from tributary creeks. Similar level to March 17, 2011.
8. 4852.0 ftLimited minor lowland flooding between Beckwourth and Clio. Potential for road impacts near Clio with large contribution from tributary creeks.
9. 4851.0 ftMonitor Stage. Some areas of very minor out of bank flow between Beckwourth and Clio.

Chance of flooding, September to November

The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 23, 2026.

Most recent crests

• March 15, 2023: 4854.4 ft
• March 1, 2019: 4853.1 ft
• March 23, 2018: 4853.3 ft
• February 11, 2017: 4856.3 ft
• January 12, 2017: 4852.7 ft
• January 9, 2017: 4853.6 ft
• March 17, 2011: 4852.6 ft
• March 17, 2011: 4852.6 ft
• January 14, 1980: 4853.1 ft
• January 17, 1978: 4851.3 ft

• Independence Creek
• Independence Lake at Independence Lake
• Sagehen Creek nr Truckee
• Spanish Creek at Keddie
• Stampede Reservoir at Stampede Reservoir
• Dog Creek at Verdi
• Indian Creek at Indian Falls
• North Fork Yuba River at Goodyears Bar

Forecasts by the California Nevada River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued routinely year-round. Stage may be affected by ice during winter months.

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.