River stage
Richmond-Westham, James River
- River level
- 4.86 ft
- Status
- Below flood stage
- 7-day change
- +1.40 ft
- Recent high
- 4.23 ft
- Recent low
- 3.24 ft
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS RMDV2
- 30-day change
- +1.56 ft
- Average
- 3.52 ft
- Readings
- 122
- Data span
- 122 days
- Record crest
- 28.62 ft
In brief
The James River at Richmond-Westham, VA read 4.86 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 4.14 ft below action stage. That is 1.56 ft higher than 30 days earlier.
Source: National Weather Service gauge RMDV2
River level timeline
Stage threshold profile
Highest crests on record
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28.62 ft | 1972-06-23 |
| 2 | 24.95 ft | 1969-08-21 |
| 3 | 24.77 ft | 1985-11-07 |
| 4 | 23.42 ft | 1936-03-19 |
| 5 | 22.65 ft | 1937-04-27 |
| 6 | 21.91 ft | 1987-04-18 |
| 7 | 21.80 ft | 1944-09-20 |
| 8 | 21.80 ft | 1940-08-18 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
What happens at each level
- 12.00 ft
Flood stage. Minor flooding along both banks. No damage at this level.
- 13.00 ft
Approximately 20 acres of lowland flooded in vicinity of gage.
- 13.50 ft
Portions of Huguenot Flatwater park begin to flood.
- 14.00 ft
Portions of Riverside Drive begin to flood.
- 15.00 ft
Begin moderate flooding. Residences near gage threatened by flood waters.
- 16.00 ft
Water is getting into the parking lot at Huguenot Flatwater Park and Pony Pasture. Additionally, portions of the Willow Oaks County Club is flooded. Sections of Riverside Drive are closed due to flooding.
- 17.00 ft
Water infiltrates several homes near the gage, downstream of the Huguenot Bridge.
- 18.20 ft
CSX Railroad tracks flooded.
- 22.00 ft
Major flooding begins. Downstream industries, shops and streets along the riverfront are flooded at and above this level.
- 23.00 ft
Richmond City Water Filtration Plant endangered.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the James River flooding at Richmond-Westham?
No. The James River at Richmond-Westham is at 4.86 ft, 4.14 ft below action stage.
What is the flood stage at Richmond-Westham?
The National Weather Service sets action stage 9 ft, minor flooding 12 ft, moderate flooding 15 ft and major flooding 22 ft.
What is the highest the James River has been at Richmond-Westham?
The highest crest on record is 28.62 ft, on 1972-06-23.
Is the James River high or low right now at Richmond-Westham?
At 4.86 ft it is higher than 100% of readings over the last 122 days.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge RMDV2); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 02037500). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.