River stage
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS AEXL1
In brief
The Red River at Alexandria, LA read 20.27 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 7.73 ft below action stage.
Source: National Weather Service gauge AEXL1
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 45.23 ft | 1945-04-17 |
| 2 | 43.65 ft | 1932-02-05 |
| 3 | 42.35 ft | 1927-05-08 |
| 4 | 42.05 ft | 1953-05-19 |
| 5 | 41.84 ft | 1908-07-06 |
| 6 | 41.22 ft | 1935-06-04 |
| 7 | 41.20 ft | 1930-06-03 |
| 8 | 40.70 ft | 1957-05-07 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
When the river reaches 23 feet with a predicted continual rise, the public boat ramps in Rapides and Avoyelles parishes will close. These include the ramps at Boyce, Fort Buhlow, Alexandria Levee Park, Lock and Dam #2, Brouillette and Ben Routh recreation areas.
Overflow occurs on floodway side of levee from gauge to Acme. Recreational boaters should use extreme caution due to high river flows.
Some of the outfall canals are slowed or not allowed to drain into the river between 31 and 32 feet. Depending on rainfall this could cause flooding along some of the bayous, especially along Bayou Rigolette.
Flooding of lowland areas near the river occurs and recreational boating is affected.
Backwater flooding begins along Bayou Maria and Huffman Creeks east of Pineville.
Considerable overflow below Alexandria to the confluence with the Black River occurs. Backwater flooding worsens along inflow bayous that drain into the Red River.
Water reaches top of the rails of the Union Pacific railroad bridge at Boyce. Considerable backwater flooding will occur.
Extensive backwater flooding occurs near the confluence of the Cane River.
Approximate top of levees in Alexandria. Water reaches low point of steel on us 167 bridge. Widespread major river and backwater flooding occurs.
The river is at its flood of record. Catastrophic flood damage will occur.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
No. The Red River at Alexandria is at 20.27 ft, 7.73 ft below action stage.
The National Weather Service sets action stage 28 ft, minor flooding 32 ft, moderate flooding 36 ft and major flooding 40 ft.
The highest crest on record is 45.23 ft, on 1945-04-17.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge AEXL1). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.