River stage
Mad River (CA)
- River level
- Normal
- Status
- Below flood stage
Latest readings 2026-10-13 | NWS · USGS
- Gauges reporting
- 2 of 2
- Above flood stage
- 0
- Above action stage
- 0
- Overall
- Below flood stage
- Publisher
- NWS · USGS
In brief
On Oct 13, 2026, 2 of 2 gauges on the Mad River (CA) reported, and none was above flood stage.
Source: National Weather Service and USGS gauges
Mad River levels, gauge by gauge
The Mad River is measured at 2 gauges. Flood stages are set per gauge, so the same river is "high" at one town and normal at the next.
| Location | Level | Status |
|---|---|---|
| NWS gauge MAUC1 | 1.72 ft | no flood stage set |
| Arcata | 5.59 ft | normal, steady |
Recent levels on the Mad River
The gauge with the fullest recent record on this river is Arcata, CA, with 122 days of readings.
Other rivers nearby
- Mad River (OH) different river, same name
- Mad River (VT) different river, same name
- Eel River (CA) 3 gauges
- Trinity River (CA) 7 gauges
- Indian Creek (CA) 2 gauges
- Salmon River (CA) 1 gauge
- Cow Creek (CA) 1 gauge
- Smith River (CA) 2 gauges
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mad River flooding right now?
No. Every one of the 2 reporting gauges on the Mad River is below flood stage as of 2026-10-13.
How high is the Mad River?
The river is measured at several points and each reads a different height. Arcata is at 5.59 ft.
Where is the Mad River measured?
The National Weather Service and USGS operate 2 gauges on the Mad River in California.
What does flood stage mean?
Flood stage is the height at which a river begins to cause problems at that specific location. It is set per gauge, so the same river can be above flood stage in one town and normal a few miles downstream. Action stage is the lower level at which forecasters start watching closely.
River stages and flood categories from the NOAA National Weather Service; daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.