Highest crests on record
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 17.77 ft | 2023-03-10 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
River stage
Kernville, Kern River
- River level
- 2.56 ft
- Status
- Below flood stage
- Action stage
- 12.50 ft
- Flood stage
- 13.50 ft
- Record crest
- 17.77 ft
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS KRVC1
- Record crest
- 17.77 ft
- Flood stage
- 13.50 ft
- Moderate flood
- 17.00 ft
- Major flood
- 20.00 ft
- Crest date
- 2023-03-10
In brief
The Kern River at Kernville, CA read 2.56 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 9.94 ft below action stage.
Source: National Weather Service gauge KRVC1
Stage threshold profile
What happens at each level
- 13.50 ft
Kern River adjacent to Riverside Park begins to escape its banks, flooding the lower park sidewalk. This is Preliminary Flood Stage.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kern River flooding at Kernville?
No. The Kern River at Kernville is at 2.56 ft, 9.94 ft below action stage.
What is the flood stage at Kernville?
The National Weather Service sets action stage 12.5 ft, minor flooding 13.5 ft, moderate flooding 17 ft and major flooding 20 ft.
What is the highest the Kern River has been at Kernville?
The highest crest on record is 17.77 ft, on 2023-03-10.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge KRVC1). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.