River stage
Crescent City, Smith River
- River level
- 4.26 ft
- Status
- Below flood stage
- 7-day change
- -0.04 ft
- Recent high
- 5.12 ft
- Recent low
- 4.26 ft
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS CREC1
- 30-day change
- -0.14 ft
- Average
- 4.53 ft
- Readings
- 122
- Data span
- 122 days
- Record crest
- 38.40 ft
In brief
The Smith River at Crescent City, CA read 4.26 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 20.74 ft below action stage. That is 0.14 ft lower than 30 days earlier.
Source: National Weather Service gauge CREC1
River level timeline
Stage threshold profile
Highest crests on record
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 38.40 ft | 1964-12-22 |
| 2 | 35.60 ft | 1972-01-22 |
| 3 | 35.00 ft | 1972-03-02 |
| 4 | 34.30 ft | 1955-12-22 |
| 5 | 33.00 ft | 1950-10-29 |
| 6 | 32.30 ft | 1966-01-06 |
| 7 | 31.90 ft | 1953-11-23 |
| 8 | 31.70 ft | 1953-01-18 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
What happens at each level
- 25.00 ft
Minor flooding of the lowest lying areas near the river may occur.
- 26.00 ft
Minor flooding along Highway 197 and other low-lying areas near the river.
- 28.00 ft
Flooding along lower portions of Highway 197 with possible flooding of roads near Gasquet.
- 29.00 ft
Flooding along Highway 197 and low-lying roads near Gasquet is likely.
- 32.00 ft
Significant flooding along Highway 197 in the Gasquet area, with possible flooding of US Highway 199 near Gasquet. Some low-lying homes in these areas may be threatened.
- 34.00 ft
Significant flooding along Highway 197 and along US Highway 199 in the Gasquet area. Some low-lying homes in these areas may be threatened.
- 35.00 ft
Considerable flooding along Highway 197 and US Highway 199 in the Gasquet area will occur. Low lying homes in these areas are likely to be threatened.
- 36.00 ft
Extensive flooding is possible along Highway 197 and US Highway 199 in the Gasquet area. Homes and campgrounds in these areas could be threatened, including portions of Jedediah Smith State Park.
- 37.00 ft
Severe damage could be inflicted upon roads, bridges and other structures. All low lying areas in and around the river are likely to be flooded. Persons in these areas should be prepared to take appropriate actions to protect life and property.
- 39.00 ft
Extensive and severe flooding of all areas near the river will occur. Significant damage to roads, bridges and other structures near the river is likely. All low lying areas in and around the river will be flooded. All persons in the area should be prepared to take appropriate action to protect life and property.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Smith River flooding at Crescent City?
No. The Smith River at Crescent City is at 4.26 ft, 20.74 ft below action stage.
What is the flood stage at Crescent City?
The National Weather Service sets action stage 25 ft, minor flooding 29 ft, moderate flooding 34 ft and major flooding 37 ft.
What is the highest the Smith River has been at Crescent City?
The highest crest on record is 38.4 ft, on 1964-12-22.
Is the Smith River high or low right now at Crescent City?
At 4.26 ft it is higher than 0% of readings over the last 122 days.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge CREC1); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 11532500). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.