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James River (VA) at Buchanan
Critical Stages
11' - Action
17' - Flood
21' - Moderate
26' - Major
Latest Observation
Updated: 6:00 PM EST 12/15/25
Status: No Flooding
Stage: 2.33 ft
Flow: 0.574 kcfs
Forecast
| Time | Stage (ft) | Flow (kcfs) |
|---|---|---|
| 7 PM 12/15 | 2.3 | 0.554 |
| 1 AM 12/16 | 2.3 | 0.554 |
| 7 AM 12/16 | 2.3 | 0.554 |
| 1 PM 12/16 | 2.3 | 0.554 |
| 7 PM 12/16 | 2.3 | 0.554 |
| 1 AM 12/17 | 2.3 | 0.554 |
| 7 AM 12/17 | 2.3 | 0.554 |
| 1 PM 12/17 | 2.3 | 0.554 |
| 7 PM 12/17 | 2.3 | 0.554 |
| 1 AM 12/18 | 2.3 | 0.554 |
| 7 AM 12/18 | 2.3 | 0.554 |
| Time | Stage (ft) | Flow (kcfs) |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 PM 12/15 | 2.33 | 0.574 |
| 5:45 PM 12/15 | 2.33 | 0.574 |
| 5:30 PM 12/15 | 2.34 | 0.581 |
| 5:15 PM 12/15 | 2.34 | 0.581 |
| 5:00 PM 12/15 | 2.34 | 0.581 |
| 4:45 PM 12/15 | 2.34 | 0.581 |
| 4:30 PM 12/15 | 2.34 | 0.581 |
| 4:15 PM 12/15 | 2.34 | 0.581 |
| 4:00 PM 12/15 | 2.34 | 0.581 |
| 3:45 PM 12/15 | 2.35 | 0.587 |
| 3:30 PM 12/15 | 2.35 | 0.587 |
| 3:15 PM 12/15 | 2.35 | 0.587 |
| 3:00 PM 12/15 | 2.35 | 0.587 |
| 2:45 PM 12/15 | 2.35 | 0.587 |
| 2:30 PM 12/15 | 2.35 | 0.587 |
| 2:15 PM 12/15 | 2.35 | 0.587 |
| 2:00 PM 12/15 | 2.35 | 0.587 |
| 1:45 PM 12/15 | 2.35 | 0.587 |
| 1:30 PM 12/15 | 2.35 | 0.587 |
| 1:15 PM 12/15 | 2.35 | 0.587 |
| 1:00 PM 12/15 | 2.36 | 0.594 |
| 12:45 PM 12/15 | 2.36 | 0.594 |
| 12:30 PM 12/15 | 2.36 | 0.594 |
| 12:15 PM 12/15 | 2.36 | 0.594 |
| 12:00 PM 12/15 | 2.36 | 0.594 |
| 11:45 AM 12/15 | 2.36 | 0.594 |
| 11:30 AM 12/15 | 2.36 | 0.594 |
| 11:15 AM 12/15 | 2.37 | 0.601 |
| 11:00 AM 12/15 | 2.37 | 0.601 |
| 10:45 AM 12/15 | 2.37 | 0.601 |
22' -
Additional buildings upstream of gage, and farmland flooding begins in vicinity of the gage.
20' -
Farmlands and residential basements of buildings upstream (right bank) become flooded.
17' -
Right bank above gage and flats above town on left bank are inundated. Mostly agricultural lands affected.
16' -
Route 43 (Parkway Drive) is closed as water starts to reach the road.
6' -
Stages above 6 feet are considered too high for all but expert boaters.
4' -
Caution is suggested for James River boaters..between 4 and 6 feet.
2.4' -
Stages between 2.4 and 4 feet are considered ideal for boating activities.
2' -
Below this stage the river may be too low for boating activities.
| Date | Stage (ft) |
|---|---|
| Nov 5, 1985 | 38.84 |
| Mar 27, 1913 | 31 |
| Jun 22, 1972 | 30.49 |
| Jan 20, 1996 | 29.26 |
| Mar 18, 1936 | 26.8 |
| Sep 29, 2004 | 25.66 |
| Mar 1, 1902 | 25 |
| Apr 16, 1986 | 24.81 |
| Dec 27, 1973 | 24.17 |
| Feb 23, 2003 | 24.03 |
| Jan 23, 1935 | 23.82 |
| Apr 22, 1992 | 23.64 |
| Aug 20, 1969 | 23.37 |
| Apr 6, 1977 | 22.81 |
| Feb 17, 2025 | 22.71 |
| Jan 16, 1995 | 22.67 |
| Jan 27, 1978 | 22.31 |
| Mar 13, 1963 | 22.3 |
| Jun 28, 2006 | 21.98 |
| May 12, 1924 | 21.5 |
Data provided by the National Weather Service.
