River stage
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS DECA1
In brief
The Tennessee River at Decatur, AL read 4.76 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 2.74 ft below action stage.
Source: National Weather Service gauge DECA1
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14.80 ft | 1867-03-15 |
| 2 | 10.29 ft | 2003-05-10 |
| 3 | 10.11 ft | 2019-02-24 |
| 4 | 9.97 ft | 1973-03-18 |
| 5 | 9.55 ft | 2015-12-29 |
| 6 | 9.34 ft | 2004-10-06 |
| 7 | 8.23 ft | 2003-02-18 |
| 8 | 8.09 ft | 2004-02-08 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
Backwater issues and nuisance flooding begins at this level as the Tennessee River backs up into tributaries along the river. Specifically, backwater issues begin at Point Mallard Campground with water beginning to flood the lower portions of the river bank, affecting the Spirit of America Pavilion along a nearby slough.
Backwater continues backing up into tributaries. Flooding at Point Mallard Campground now begins to affect campsites along the river. Widespread evacuations are not required at this time, but may become likely with additional rises on the river. In Limestone County, flooding of a roadside park on the bank of the river on U.S. Highway 31 is occurring.
Flooding begins to affect locations on the Morgan County side of the river near Decatur, along with low-lying areas of Limestone County within the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. Evacuations are likely ongoing at Point Mallard Campground.
Evacuations of 200 plus campsites are ongoing at Point Mallard Campground, with 1 to 2 feet of water now affecting the majority of the campsites along the slough, approaching the Main Office on the property. Water may also be beginning to flow across Point Mallard Drive to the West of the property.
Extensive backwater flooding is occurring on Flint Creek and Swan Creek near Decatur. Floodwaters may threaten homes and cause road closures.
Major tributary flooding is occurring due to backwater. Significant portions of the city of Decatur...near the Tennessee River and Flint Creek...are flooded. Point Mallard Parkway between U.S. 31 and Priceville is completed flooded and closed. Portions of southern Limestone County near Wheeler Lake are flooded.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
No. The Tennessee River at Decatur is at 4.76 ft, 2.74 ft below action stage.
The National Weather Service sets action stage 7.5 ft, minor flooding 9 ft, moderate flooding 12 ft and major flooding 14 ft.
The highest crest on record is 14.8 ft, on 1867-03-15.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge DECA1); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 03577150). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.