River stage
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS HFEW2
In brief
The Potomac River at Harpers Ferry, WV read 6.85 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 9.15 ft below action stage.
Source: National Weather Service gauge HFEW2
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 36.50 ft | 1936-03-19 |
| 2 | 34.80 ft | 1889-06-01 |
| 3 | 33.80 ft | 1942-10-16 |
| 4 | 33.00 ft | 1896-10-01 |
| 5 | 30.10 ft | 1985-11-06 |
| 6 | 29.80 ft | 1996-09-08 |
| 7 | 29.40 ft | 1996-01-21 |
| 8 | 29.20 ft | 1877-11-25 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
Water reaches the C&O Canal towpath on the Maryland side of the river across from Harpers Ferry. The pedestrian bridge crossing between historic Harpers Ferry and the canal will be closed.
Due to backwater effects on the Shenandoah River, floodwaters cover much of the Hamilton Street area of historic Harpers Ferry, and approach the employee parking lot.
The employee parking lot at historic Harpers Ferry floods.
Floodwaters begin to cover the old federal armory site at historic Harpers Ferry. Backwater from the Shenandoah covers most areas between the normal river channel and the elevated Winchester & Potomac Railroad tracks.
Much of the old federal armory site in historic Harpers Ferry is flooded. Backwaters on the Shenandoah flood virtually all areas below the retaining wall and elevated W&P Railroad, and are approaching Shenandoah Street. No buildings are impacted.
Virtually all of the old federal armory site at historic Harpers Ferry is flooded. Water begins flowing out of the open tunnel between the Potomac and lower town Harpers Ferry, flooding the very end of Shenandoah Street. Backwaters from the Shenandoah River flood even more of Shenandoah Street, including the shuttle bus pavilion.
Water begins to approach buildings in historic Harpers Ferry. Most of Shenandoah Street, except between the bookshop and John Browns Fort, is flooded.
Water approaches John Browns Fort in historic Harpers Ferry. Water surrounds the bookshop and A Place in Time Museum. Water surrounds the blacksmiths shop. Potomac Street begins to flood at the intersection with Shenandoah Street.
Floodwaters reach John Brown Fort, the bookshop, and the A Place in Time Museum in historic Harpers Ferry. Most of Shenandoah Street is flooded and floodwaters cover around half of Arsenal Square. Potomac Street is flooded nearly to White Hall Tavern, but no buildings are impacted on Potomac Street.
Floodwaters reach the Industry Museum in historic Harpers Ferry.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
No. The Potomac River at Harpers Ferry is at 6.85 ft, 9.15 ft below action stage.
The National Weather Service sets action stage 16 ft, minor flooding 18 ft, moderate flooding 21.5 ft and major flooding 24 ft.
The highest crest on record is 36.5 ft, on 1936-03-19.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge HFEW2). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.