River Conditions
Illustrated map of Smith Mountain Lake

River stage

Jamestown/Scotland Ferry, James River

River level
2.99 ft
Status
Below flood stage
Action stage
3.50 ft
Flood stage
4.00 ft
Record crest
6.27 ft

Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS JSFV2

Record crest
6.27 ft
Flood stage
4.00 ft
Moderate flood
4.50 ft
Major flood
5.00 ft
Crest date
2015-10-04

In brief

The James River at Jamestown/Scotland Ferry, VA read 2.99 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 0.51 ft below action stage.

Source: National Weather Service gauge JSFV2

Stage threshold profile

Action stage 3.50 ftMinor flooding 4.00 ftModerate flooding 4.50 ftMajor flooding 5.00 ft CURRENT 2.99 ft

Highest crests on record

RankCrestDate
1 6.27 ft 2015-10-04
2 5.51 ft 2025-10-12
3 5.50 ft 2022-10-01
4 5.40 ft 2016-09-03
5 5.38 ft 2026-09-24
6 5.23 ft 2023-09-23
7 5.09 ft 2022-05-10
8 4.96 ft 2016-10-09

Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.

What happens at each level

  1. 4.00 ft

    Shallow flooding is expected in the most vulnerable locations near the waterfront and shoreline resulting in a low threat of property damage. Expect up to one foot of water above ground level in low lying, vulnerable areas. Some roads and low lying property including parking lots, parks and lawns near the waterfront will experience shallow flooding.

  2. 4.50 ft

    Widespread flooding of vulnerable areas will result in an elevated threat of property damage to homes and businesses near the waterfront and shoreline. Water will be 1 to 2 feet above ground level in some areas resulting in a sufficient depth to close numerous roads and threaten homes and businesses. Flooding will extend inland from the waterfront along tidal rivers and bays resulting in some road closures and flooding of vehicles.

  3. 5.00 ft

    Severe flooding will cause extensive inundation and flooding of numerous roads and buildings resulting in a significant threat to property and life. Water will be 2 to 3 feet or more above ground level in some areas. Severe flooding will extend inland from the waterfront and shoreline flooding homes, businesses and isolating some neighborhoods. Numerous roads will be impassable under several feet of water and cars submerged. Some areas will need to be evacuated.

Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.

Frequently asked questions

Is the James River flooding at Jamestown/Scotland Ferry?

No. The James River at Jamestown/Scotland Ferry is at 2.99 ft, 0.51 ft below action stage.

What is the flood stage at Jamestown/Scotland Ferry?

The National Weather Service sets action stage 3.5 ft, minor flooding 4 ft, moderate flooding 4.5 ft and major flooding 5 ft.

What is the highest the James River has been at Jamestown/Scotland Ferry?

The highest crest on record is 6.27 ft, on 2015-10-04.

Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge JSFV2); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 02042770). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.