River stage
Point of Rocks, Potomac River
- River level
- 5.45 ft
- Status
- Below flood stage
- 7-day change
- +4.36 ft
- Recent high
- 4.36 ft
- Recent low
- 1.01 ft
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS PORM2
- 30-day change
- +3.97 ft
- Average
- 1.55 ft
- Readings
- 122
- Data span
- 122 days
- Record crest
- 41.03 ft
In brief
The Potomac River at Point of Rocks, MD read 5.45 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 5.55 ft below action stage. That is 3.97 ft higher than 30 days earlier.
Source: National Weather Service gauge PORM2
At this level: The river reaches caution level for boaters, as defined by the State of Maryland. Fast moving water and changing currents can be expected.
Water 66 °F (19 °C) · 3 °F warmer than normal for this date · +1 °F in 24 hours
River level timeline
Stage threshold profile
Highest crests on record
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 41.03 ft | 1936-03-19 |
| 2 | 40.43 ft | 1942-10-16 |
| 3 | 40.20 ft | 1889-06-02 |
| 4 | 37.43 ft | 1972-06-23 |
| 5 | 36.34 ft | 1996-01-21 |
| 6 | 36.28 ft | 1985-11-07 |
| 7 | 36.26 ft | 1996-09-08 |
| 8 | 33.86 ft | 1937-04-27 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
What happens at each level
- 2.00 ft
The river reaches caution level for boaters, as defined by the State of Maryland. Fast moving water and changing currents can be expected.
- 5.50 ft
The river reaches danger level for boaters, as defined by the State of Maryland. Conditions are extremely hazardous.
- 11.00 ft
Water covers the parking lot of the Lander boat ramp. Campers and other recreational interests should begin to move away from the river.
- 12.50 ft
The Point of Rocks boat ramp is completely covered by water, and water begins to affect the lower parking lot nearby.
- 13.00 ft
Water begins to cover low lying areas within the Brunswick campground.
- 14.00 ft
Water completely covers the Nolands Ferry boat ramp and begins to flood the parking lot nearby.
- 15.00 ft
Several lowland forested areas, mainly on islands, begin to flood.
- 16.00 ft
The parking lots at both the McKimmey and Brunswick boat ramps begin to flood. Flooding of an agricultural field adjacent to the McKimmey boat ramp is occurring. About half the lower parking lot of the Point of Rocks boat ramp is also flooded.
- 17.00 ft
Water enters the comfort station at the Brunswick boat ramp parking area.
- 18.00 ft
Water approaches structures at the Brunswick campground.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Potomac River flooding at Point of Rocks?
No. The Potomac River at Point of Rocks is at 5.45 ft, 5.55 ft below action stage.
What is the flood stage at Point of Rocks?
The National Weather Service sets action stage 11 ft, minor flooding 16 ft, moderate flooding 20 ft and major flooding 27 ft.
What is the highest the Potomac River has been at Point of Rocks?
The highest crest on record is 41.03 ft, on 1936-03-19.
Is the Potomac River high or low right now at Point of Rocks?
At 5.45 ft it is higher than 100% of readings over the last 122 days.
How warm is the water at Point of Rocks, Potomac River?
The water temperature at Point of Rocks, Potomac River is 66 °F (18.9 °C), measured 6:55 pm by USGS, which is 3 °F warmer than normal for this date over the past ten years. It has risen 1.2 °F in the last 24 hours.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge PORM2); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 01638500). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.