Rivers in Ohio
Scioto River at Chillicothe
Below flood stage
9.97ftStage
Observed Sun, Sep 20, 3:45 PM EDT
- Flood stage
- 16.00 ft
- Record crest
- 39.80 ft1913
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 31.00 ft |
| Moderate flood | 22.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 16.00 ft |
| Action | 14.00 ft |
- 40.00 ftWater begins to flow onto High Street and will already be across the Paint Street Bridge, the railroad bridge and the Bridge Street Bridge. Extensive lowland flooding occurs along the river throughout Ross County.
- 36.00 ftWater flows onto the Paint Street Bridge and will already be across the railroad bridge in the southeast part of Chillicothe and the South Bridge Street Bridge. Extensive lowland flooding occurs along the river throughout Ross County.
- 30.50 ftThis is similar to the FEMA 1 percent flood. Flooding occurs on North Bridge Street and Eastern Avenue near the river in Chillicothe. Portions of State Route 207 and State Route 205 are flooded. Extensive lowland flooding occurs along the river throughout Ross County.
- 25.00 ftExtensive lowland flooding occurs along the Scioto River throughout Ross County, with evacuations continuing for residents in low areas along the river.
- 23.00 ftFlooding is widespread through lowland areas of Ross County. Some roadways are flooded, with numerous homes inundated in Yellowbud. Extensive crop losses occur during the growing season.
- 22.00 ftLowland flooding continues near Chillicothe. In Yellowbud, several homes are inundated due to backwater flooding from the Scioto River into Yellowbud Creek.
- 19.30 ftSignificant lowland flooding occurs along the Scioto River in Ross County. While Chillicothe itself has only minimal flooding, backwater flooding along Yellowbud Creek results in significant flooding near Yellowbud.
- 17.00 ftLowland areas flood along the Scioto River in Ross County. Backwater flooding from the Scioto River affects Yellowbud Creek, with lowland flooding near Yellowbud.
- 16.00 ftKellenberger Road near Yellowbud is flooded. Flooding occurs along stretches of the recreational bike trail, with water possibly encroaching along Stewart Road.
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 September 15, 2026.
Crest history
29 crests on NOAA’s list since 1898.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 26, 1913 | 39.80 ft |
| 2 | January 23, 1959 | 32.50 ft |
| 3 | March 24, 1898 | 28.30 ft |
| 4 | January 23, 1937 | 27.80 ft |
| 5 | January 28, 1952 | 26.80 ft |
| 6 | February 28, 1929 | 26.00 ft |
| 7 | March 8, 1945 | 25.70 ft |
| 8 | March 6, 1963 | 25.20 ft |
| 9 | March 11, 1964 | 24.55 ft |
| 10 | April 21, 1940 | 23.90 ft |
| 11 | March 29, 1916 | 22.70 ft |
| 12 | May 16, 1933 | 22.30 ft |
| 13 | March 23, 1927 | 21.60 ft |
| 14 | January 8, 2005 | 20.89 ft |
| 15 | January 14, 2005 | 19.12 ft |
| 16 | March 1, 1962 | 18.28 ft |
| 17 | January 7, 2004 | 17.73 ft |
| 18 | May 29, 1968 | 17.66 ft |
| 19 | January 2, 1991 | 17.58 ft |
| 20 | April 5, 2024 | 16.79 ft |
| 21 | May 22, 2020 | 16.51 ft |
| 22 | June 4, 1997 | 16.23 ft |
| 23 | April 6, 2018 | 16.17 ft |
| 24 | March 21, 2008 | 15.96 ft |
| 25 | September 17, 1979 | 15.94 ft |
Most recent crests
- April 5, 2024: 16.79 ft
- May 22, 2020: 16.51 ft
- March 22, 2020: 15.70 ft
- April 6, 2018: 16.17 ft
- March 21, 2008: 15.96 ft
- January 14, 2005: 19.12 ft
- January 8, 2005: 20.89 ft
- January 7, 2004: 17.73 ft
- June 4, 1997: 16.23 ft
- May 2, 1996: 15.39 ft
Nearby
Upstream, downstream and the gauges around this one.
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. River Forecasts typically include ONLY 2 days of future rain from <u>forecast issuance time</u> (lower right of graph). Occasionally 3 days of future rain included.
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.