River forecasts (flood forecasts) are made by the National Weather Service River Forecast Centers and released through local Weather Service Offices. The NOAA website has a map showing the location of the forecast centers, their areas of responsibility, and the location of the gages they use.
The vast majority of current streamflow data used for these forecasts is obtained from U.S. Geological Survey streamgaging stations, but the USGS has no other responsibility or authority for making forecasts.
Learn more: Where can I find flood maps?
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How are floods predicted?
Flood predictions require several types of data:The amount of rainfall occurring on a real-time basis.The rate of change in river stage on a real-time basis, which can help indicate the severity and immediacy of the threat.Knowledge about the type of storm producing the moisture, such as duration, intensity and areal extent, which can be valuable for determining possible severity of the flooding...
What are the two types of floods?
There are two basic types of floods: flash floods and the more widespread river floods. Flash floods generally cause greater loss of life and river floods generally cause greater loss of property.A flash flood occurs when runoff from excessive rainfall causes a rapid rise in the water height (stage) of a stream or normally-dry channel. Flash floods are more common in areas with a dry climate and...
Where can I find flood maps?
FEMA is the official public source for flood maps for insurance purposes:FEMA’s Flood Map Service CenterFEMA’s Flood Hazard Map FAQs NOAA is responsible for producing flood forecast maps that combine precipitation data with USGS streamflow data:National Flood ForecastsInteractive Flood Information MapCoastal Inundation Dashboard: Real-time and historical coastal flooding informationUSGS flood map...
How do we benefit from USGS streamgages?
Information on the flow of rivers is a vital national asset that safeguards lives, protects property, and ensures adequate water supplies for the future. The USGS is the federal agency responsible for operating a network of about 7,000 streamgages nationwide.Data from this network are used by water managers, emergency responders, utilities, environmental agencies, universities, consulting firms...
Where can I get real-time and historical streamflow information?
The best starting point for USGS streamflow data is the interactive National Water Information System (NWIS): Mapper website.Zoom in to your area of interest or use the search options in the left navigation window. The map displays active surface-water sites by default, but you can change the type of water site (surface-water, groundwater, springs, atmospheric) in the left menu.The USGS Water Data...
Is there a way to get alerts about streamflow conditions?
Yes! The USGS offers two services:WaterAlert - automated emails or text messages are sent to you whenever certain parameters (that you define) are exceeded at one of our gaging stations.WaterNow - Send an email or text message to WaterNow@usgs.gov containing the USGS Site Number of the gage you want to query (optionally add parameter codes to customize your query). You will receive an automated...
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- FAQ
How are floods predicted?
Flood predictions require several types of data:The amount of rainfall occurring on a real-time basis.The rate of change in river stage on a real-time basis, which can help indicate the severity and immediacy of the threat.Knowledge about the type of storm producing the moisture, such as duration, intensity and areal extent, which can be valuable for determining possible severity of the flooding...
What are the two types of floods?
There are two basic types of floods: flash floods and the more widespread river floods. Flash floods generally cause greater loss of life and river floods generally cause greater loss of property.A flash flood occurs when runoff from excessive rainfall causes a rapid rise in the water height (stage) of a stream or normally-dry channel. Flash floods are more common in areas with a dry climate and...
Where can I find flood maps?
FEMA is the official public source for flood maps for insurance purposes:FEMA’s Flood Map Service CenterFEMA’s Flood Hazard Map FAQs NOAA is responsible for producing flood forecast maps that combine precipitation data with USGS streamflow data:National Flood ForecastsInteractive Flood Information MapCoastal Inundation Dashboard: Real-time and historical coastal flooding informationUSGS flood map...
How do we benefit from USGS streamgages?
Information on the flow of rivers is a vital national asset that safeguards lives, protects property, and ensures adequate water supplies for the future. The USGS is the federal agency responsible for operating a network of about 7,000 streamgages nationwide.Data from this network are used by water managers, emergency responders, utilities, environmental agencies, universities, consulting firms...
Where can I get real-time and historical streamflow information?
The best starting point for USGS streamflow data is the interactive National Water Information System (NWIS): Mapper website.Zoom in to your area of interest or use the search options in the left navigation window. The map displays active surface-water sites by default, but you can change the type of water site (surface-water, groundwater, springs, atmospheric) in the left menu.The USGS Water Data...
Is there a way to get alerts about streamflow conditions?
Yes! The USGS offers two services:WaterAlert - automated emails or text messages are sent to you whenever certain parameters (that you define) are exceeded at one of our gaging stations.WaterNow - Send an email or text message to WaterNow@usgs.gov containing the USGS Site Number of the gage you want to query (optionally add parameter codes to customize your query). You will receive an automated...
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