Rivers in California
San Luis Rey River at Oceanside
Below flood stage
5.50ftStage
Observed Tue, Sep 29, 3:30 AM PDT
- Flood stage
- 21.00 ft
- Forecast crest
- 5.52 ftThu, Oct 1, 7:00 PM PDT
- Record crest
- 21.70 ft1993
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 28.00 ft |
| Moderate flood | 24.50 ft |
| Minor flood | 21.00 ft |
- 28.00 ftExcess overflow of water has damaged some sewer and water mains in the city of oceanside. The lilac road bridge on the pala indian reservation has likely washed out. The rincon casino has been evacuated. Approaches to upstream crossings are likely damaged or washed out. North river road has likely been undermined in oceanside. The retainaing wall protecting homes in the rancho viejo project upstream from oceanside is likely compromised. Pala casino is at risk with possible evacuations.
- 24.50 ftExtent of damage unknown. It is possible that the approaches to several of the upstream crossings will be damaged or washed out. The lilac road bridge on the pala indian reservation is likely impassable. Undermining of north river road in oceanside is possible. Undermining of the retaining wall protecting homes in the rancho viejo project is possible. Businesses in the flood plain not protected by the levee are at risk of innundation, including the pala casino parking areas and the rincon casino itself.
- 21.00 ftApproaches to upstream bridges including camino del rey, shearer crossing, and couser canyon, among others, are threatened and possibly damaged. The lilac road bridge on the pala reservation is at risk.
- 12.00 ftLOW-WATER CROSSINGS CAN BE IMPACTED WELL UPSTREAM OF THE GAGE BEFORE SIGNIFICANT GAGE RESPONSE OCCURS. GAGE HEIGHTS OF 9.5 TO 12 FT HAVE BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE CLOSING OF COLE GRADE ROAD AND LILAC ROADS.
Flood outlook
Chance of flooding, October to December
| 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 October 27, 2024.
Crest history
11 crests on NOAA’s list since 1937.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 16, 1993 | 21.70 ft |
| 2 | January 11, 2005 | 20.70 ft |
| 3 | March 6, 1995 | 19.97 ft |
| 4 | January 10, 2005 | 19.25 ft |
| 5 | March 28, 1979 | 18.60 ft |
| 6 | February 15, 2019 | 18.45 ft |
| 7 | March 1, 1991 | 17.17 ft |
| 8 | February 15, 1986 | 14.99 ft |
| 9 | March 3, 1983 | 14.23 ft |
| 10 | February 21, 1980 | 14.00 ft |
| 11 | February 7, 1937 | 12.00 ft |
Most recent crests
- February 15, 2019: 18.45 ft
- January 11, 2005: 20.70 ft
- January 10, 2005: 19.25 ft
- March 6, 1995: 19.97 ft
- January 16, 1993: 21.70 ft
- March 1, 1991: 17.17 ft
- February 15, 1986: 14.99 ft
- March 3, 1983: 14.23 ft
- February 21, 1980: 14.00 ft
- March 28, 1979: 18.60 ft
Nearby
Upstream, downstream and the gauges around this one.
What this means
Forecasts by the California Nevada River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued routinely year-round.
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.