James River near Stratford
Observed Mon, Sep 28, 1:45 PM CDT
- Flood stage
- 14.00 ft
- Record crest
- 21.57 ft2011
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 18.50 ft |
| Moderate flood | 17.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 14.00 ft |
| Action | 13.00 ft |
- 25.00 ftThe bridge at the gauge location on 148th/County Rd 27 is overtopped.
- 23.00 ftWater approaches Hwy 20 and may flood the lowest portions west of the bridge.
- 22.00 ftThe bridge on 151st St is overtopped.
- 20.00 ftThe bridges on 395th Ave as well as 142nd St are overtopped.
- 18.50 ft395th Ave/County Rd 16 as well as 142nd/County Rd 23 both may begin to flood creating significant travel impacts to the area. 151st St is also flooded and the bridge on 146th Street is overtopped.
- 17.00 ftAdditional county roads begin to flood, including 146th St.
- 16.00 ft137th Street and 140th Street begin to flood as does 391st Ave north of Hwy 20.
- 14.00 ftSignificant amounts of agricultural lands begin flooding.
Flood outlook
Chance of flooding, September to November
| Category | Chance |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 16% |
| Moderate flooding | 6% |
| Major flooding | Under 5% |
The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 23, 2026.
Crest history
51 crests on NOAA’s list since 1950.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | July 19, 2011 | 21.57 ft |
| 2 | March 29, 2010 | 20.08 ft |
| 3 | April 26, 2009 | 19.98 ft |
| 4 | May 18, 1995 | 19.86 ft |
| 5 | April 6, 1997 | 19.48 ft |
| 6 | April 19, 2019 | 18.68 ft |
| 7 | April 23, 2001 | 18.46 ft |
| 8 | April 18, 2020 | 18.43 ft |
| 9 | April 19, 1952 | 18.13 ft |
| 10 | April 24, 1969 | 18.10 ft |
| 11 | May 19, 2023 | 17.80 ft |
| 12 | May 14, 1950 | 17.80 ft |
| 13 | July 12, 2005 | 16.95 ft |
| 14 | April 10, 1966 | 16.75 ft |
| 15 | May 13, 1986 | 16.70 ft |
| 16 | July 28, 1975 | 16.50 ft |
| 17 | July 2, 1996 | 16.40 ft |
| 18 | April 14, 1987 | 16.20 ft |
| 19 | April 30, 1982 | 16.00 ft |
| 20 | April 13, 1989 | 15.90 ft |
| 21 | August 12, 1962 | 15.77 ft |
| 22 | April 20, 1984 | 15.50 ft |
| 23 | May 9, 1951 | 15.47 ft |
| 24 | April 12, 1972 | 15.44 ft |
| 25 | September 24, 2025 | 15.38 ft |
Most recent crests
- September 24, 2025: 15.38 ft
- May 19, 2023: 17.80 ft
- April 18, 2020: 18.43 ft
- April 19, 2019: 18.68 ft
- March 29, 2017: 14.08 ft
- August 22, 2016: 10.10 ft
- July 9, 2015: 15.02 ft
- July 11, 2014: 14.14 ft
- July 25, 2013: 14.96 ft
- March 14, 2012: 13.91 ft
Nearby
Upstream, downstream and the gauges around this one.
What this means
Forecasts by the Missouri Basin 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. River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 48 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time. Gauge reading 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.