River Stages

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San Bernard River at Sweeny

River Stage Benchmarks

Action

Minor Flood

Moderate Flood

Major Flood

Flood Record

12 ft

16 ft

17 ft

18 ft

 * 27 ft

* October 17-22, 1998, when 22" of rain fell in two days

 

 

Impacts  (as stated by NOAA)
25.0 At levels near 25 feet water is over the top of the dock at the Phillips Terminal near Sweeny with all vessel traffic stopped. Widespread inundation of the left flood plain occurs.
 
17.0 At levels near 17 feet water is over the mid level walkway at the Phillips Terminal near Sweeny. Tractors can not push barges upstream and are unable to dock. Water begins spilling into the left flood plain.
 
16.0 At levels near 16 feet water is over the mid level walkway and tugs can not push barges upstream and are unable to dock.
 
14.0 Water is over the lowest platform at the Phillips Terminal near Sweeny. Shipping barges moving up the San Bernard River must fight the current and docking maneuvers are affected.
 
13.0 Water start spilling over the right bank and covers the lowest platform at the dock just upstream from the gage.
 
12.0 Caution stage, a strong north wind can cause barges scrape bottom.
 

Characteristics to help determine the
following NOAA river stages.

Bankfull
  • Water flows out of it's normal banks.
  • Can happen several times a year.
  • May be a minor nuisance to people in the area.
  • May flood pastures but not usually cultivated fields.
Action Stage*
  • Stage at which some person or agency needs to pay attention to the hydrologic situation and perform a function.
  • There can be no flooding at this stage.
  • Action stages are not mentioned in issued products.
  • Forecasts for action stages are given directly to the action agency.

* Note: Action Stage is not be used by all Regions
Flood Stage
  • The term Minor Flooding is used to indicate minimal or no property damage. However, some public inconvenience is possible.
     
  • The term Moderate Flooding is used to indicate the inundation of secondary roads. Transfer to higher elevation may be necessary to save property. Some evacuation may be required.
     
  • The term Major Flooding is used to indicate extensive inundation and property damage, usually characterized by the evacuation of people and livestock, and the closure of both primary and secondary roads.

Resources:
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/hod/SHManual/SHMan045_FPfs.htm
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/ahps.cgi?hgx&swyt2
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/wgrfc/basinlist.php?funct=ref&basin=SANB