River stage
Fernbridge, Eel River
- River level
- -0.49 ft
- Status
- Below flood stage
- 7-day change
- -0.39 ft
- Recent high
- 0.66 ft
- Recent low
- -0.51 ft
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS FRNC1
- 30-day change
- -0.48 ft
- Average
- -0.07 ft
- Readings
- 116
- Data span
- 121 days
- Record crest
- 29.50 ft
In brief
The Eel River at Fernbridge, CA read -0.49 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 14.49 ft below action stage. That is 0.48 ft lower than 30 days earlier.
Source: National Weather Service gauge FRNC1
River level timeline
Stage threshold profile
Highest crests on record
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 29.50 ft | 1964-12-23 |
| 2 | 27.70 ft | 1955-12-22 |
| 3 | 26.33 ft | 1974-01-16 |
| 4 | 26.00 ft | 1986-02-18 |
| 5 | 25.62 ft | 2019-02-27 |
| 6 | 25.40 ft | 1937-12-11 |
| 7 | 25.39 ft | 2006-01-01 |
| 8 | 25.31 ft | 1995-01-09 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
What happens at each level
- 13.00 ft
Minor flooding of western portions of Cannibal Island Road, Camp Weott Road, and adjacent areas may occur if the time of crest is coincident with an ocean tide of 7.5 feet or greater.
- 14.00 ft
Minor flooding of western portions of Cannibal Island Road, Camp Weott Road, and adjacent areas may occur if the crest time is coincident with an ocean tide of 6.5 feet or greater.
- 15.00 ft
Minor flooding of western portions of Cannibal Island Road, Camp Weott Road, and adjacent areas may occur if the crest time is coincident with an ocean tide of 6.0 feet or greater.
- 16.00 ft
Minor flooding of western portions of Cannibal Island Road, Camp Weott Road, and adjacent low-lying areas. Flooding will be enhanced when the crest occurs during times of high tide.
- 18.00 ft
Flooding of western portions of Cannibal Island Road, Camp Weott Road, and adjacent areas is likely. This level may also cause flooding of the Salt River, Old River and other low-lying slough areas. Flooding in these areas is exaggerated when crest timing is coincident with high tides and strong onshore winds, and when the river remains high for longer periods of time.
- 20.00 ft
Significant flooding of the western portions of Cannibal Island Road, Camp Weott Road, the Salt and Old Rivers, and all adjacent low-lying areas. Flooding in these areas is exaggerated when crest timing is coincident with high tides and strong onshore winds, and for longer duration events. A Special Action Advisory is being issued to all owners of livestock in low-lying areas of the Eel Delta. Owners of livestock should consider taking appropriate action to protect livestock.
- 22.00 ft
The western half of the Eel Delta may be completely flooded, especially if at or above this level for an extended period of time. This includes areas northwest of Loleta and Cannibal Island Road. A Special Action Advisory is being issued to all owners of livestock in low-lying areas of the Eel River Delta. Owners of livestock should take appropriate action to protect their animals.
- 24.00 ft
Minor flooding of Highway 211 to Ferndale south of Fernbridge. Much of the Eel Delta may be flooded, including areas northwest of Loleta and the western portion of Cannibal Island Road. Flooding will be enhanced for longer duration events. A Special Action Advisory is being issued to all owners of livestock in all low-lying areas adjacent to the Eel River. Appropriate action should be taken to protect livestock.
- 25.00 ft
Severe flooding of the Eel River Delta including areas northwest of Loleta and the western portion of Cannibal Island Road. Numerous road closures in low-lying areas, including Highway 211 to Ferndale. A Special Action Advisory is issued to all owners of livestock in low-lying areas near the river. Appropriate action should be taken to protect livestock.
- 26.00 ft
Extensive flooding of the Eel Delta. Closure of Highway 211 to Ferndale and many other roads in the Delta is likely. All persons in the area should be prepared to take action to protect life and property. A Special Action Advisory is issued for all owners of livestock in low-lying areas near the River. Appropriate action should be taken to protect livestock.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Eel River flooding at Fernbridge?
No. The Eel River at Fernbridge is at -0.49 ft, 14.49 ft below action stage.
What is the flood stage at Fernbridge?
The National Weather Service sets action stage 14 ft, minor flooding 20 ft, moderate flooding 22 ft and major flooding 25 ft.
What is the highest the Eel River has been at Fernbridge?
The highest crest on record is 29.5 ft, on 1964-12-23.
Is the Eel River high or low right now at Fernbridge?
At -0.49 ft it is higher than 1% of readings over the last 121 days.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge FRNC1); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 11479560). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.