Rivers in Indiana
White River (IN) at Ravenswood
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 12.00 ft |
| Moderate flood | 10.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 6.00 ft |
| Action | 4.00 ft |
- 14.50 ftApproaching record flood level. Worst flooding in nearly 100 years. Major destruction in Ravenswood and likely failing of levee at Rocky Ripple. Nearing first floor flooding in Mystic Bay area. Critical stage on Warfleigh levee in Broad Ripple. Numerous local roads on north side of Indianapolis flooded.
- 13.50 ftFlood levels at the highest level since March 1913 and just above the May 1943 flood. Extensive flooding with many evacuations in the Ravenswood area. Possible breaching of levee in the Rocky Ripple Area.
- 12.50 ftMajor flooding in Ravenswood. Evacuations ordered for all residents in Ravenswood west of Crittenden Avenue. Water near the top of levee protecting Rocky Ripple. Water at critical levels for Warfleigh levee in Broad Ripple. Numerous local roads extensively flooded on the north side of Indianapolis.
- 12.00 ftLarge portion of Ravenswood experiences major flood damage. Extensive flooding in the Mystic Bay area closes roads and affects lower garage areas.
- 11.20 ftSeveral streets flooded by a foot or more of water.
- 10.00 ftSerious flooding begins in the Ravenswood area.
- 9.00 ftHigh water affects Ravenswood and River Edge Drive. Many basements in Ravenswood fill with one to two feet of water. Some basements fill with three feet or more feet of water.
- 8.00 ftBasements begin to flood in Ravenswood area. Flood waters begin to affect residential parking in the Broad Ripple area.
- 7.50 ftRiver Road floods.
- 7.00 ftWater surrounds homes in River Edge Estates. A few streets flood in Ravenswood.
- 6.00 ftLowest portion of Ravenswood begins to flood.
Flood outlook
Chance of flooding, September to November
| Category | Chance |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 24% |
| Moderate flooding | Under 5% |
| Major flooding | Under 5% |
The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 22, 2026.
Crest history
86 crests on NOAA’s list since 1913.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 26, 1913 | 16.00 ft |
| 2 | May 19, 1943 | 13.30 ft |
| 3 | April 23, 1964 | 12.90 ft |
| 4 | June 30, 1957 | 12.60 ft |
| 5 | January 1, 1991 | 12.50 ft |
| 6 | June 15, 1958 | 12.30 ft |
| 7 | January 16, 1937 | 12.00 ft |
| 8 | January 14, 2005 | 11.80 ft |
| 9 | April 20, 2013 | 11.50 ft |
| 10 | July 11, 2003 | 11.30 ft |
| 11 | February 25, 1985 | 10.90 ft |
| 12 | January 24, 1999 | 10.80 ft |
| 13 | March 7, 1963 | 10.70 ft |
| 14 | March 25, 2007 | 10.60 ft |
| 15 | January 7, 2005 | 10.60 ft |
| 16 | May 14, 2002 | 10.30 ft |
| 17 | March 2, 2011 | 10.20 ft |
| 18 | January 28, 1962 | 10.00 ft |
| 19 | January 15, 2013 | 9.95 ft |
| 20 | May 6, 2017 | 9.90 ft |
| 21 | November 17, 1993 | 9.90 ft |
| 22 | June 4, 1980 | 9.70 ft |
| 23 | September 4, 2003 | 9.50 ft |
| 24 | February 7, 2008 | 9.40 ft |
| 25 | December 24, 2013 | 9.10 ft |
Most recent crests
- April 5, 2018: 8.75 ft
- May 6, 2017: 9.90 ft
- December 29, 2015: 7.56 ft
- June 29, 2015: 9.10 ft
- April 5, 2014: 8.50 ft
- December 24, 2013: 9.10 ft
- April 20, 2013: 11.50 ft
- January 15, 2013: 9.95 ft
- March 2, 2011: 10.20 ft
- June 24, 2010: 8.10 ft
Nearby
Upstream, downstream and the gauges around this one.
- UpstreamWhite River (IN) at Ravenswood
- DownstreamWhite River (IN) at Broad Ripple
- White River (IN) at Broad Ripple Dam
- White River (IN) at 82nd Street Bridge near Nora
- Retention Pond in Marion County Indiana at College Commons in Indianapolis
- Williams Creek at 96th Street on the Hamilton-Marion County Line
- Fall Creek (IN) at Millersville
- White River (IN) at Rocky Ripple
What this means
Forecasts by the Ohio River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available. Gauge reading only in high-water situations. Stage measured manually and reported by river observer. No automated gauge on-site.
Sources
Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service.