Mokelumne River Bensons Ferry Stage Changes

To:
Subscribers, Emergency Management Officials, News Media, and Public Users

Subject:
Moderate & Major Flood Stage Changes for the Mokelumne River at Benson’s Ferry

Date:
July 14, 2025

The National Weather Service (NWS) Sacramento office is adjusting the moderate and major flood stages for the Mokelumne River at Benson’s Ferry (site ID: THTC1), effective August 14, 2025.

The current established flood stages for the Mokelumne River at Benson’s Ferry are as follows:

• 12.0 feet - Action/Monitor Stage
• 17.0 feet - Minor Flood Stage (Flood Warning issuance level)
• 28.6 feet - Moderate Flood Stage
• 29.6 feet - Major Flood Stage

Effective August 14, 2025, the new flood stages are as follows:

• 12.0 feet - Action/Monitor Stage
• 17.0 feet - Minor Flood Stage (Flood Warning issuance level)
• *19.0 feet* - Moderate Flood Stage
• *20.0 feet* - Major Flood Stage

These adjusted moderate and major flood stages are an improved representation of flood impacts realized at lower stages.

NWS Sacramento, California-Nevada River Forecast Center, Sacramento County, San Joaquin County, and California Department of Water Resources (CA DWR) support these changes. The Mokelumne River at Benson’s Ferry gauge is owned and operated by CA DWR. Without this critical data, NWS forecasts and warnings would not be possible.

The NWS welcomes public feedback regarding these service changes. If you have feedback or questions regarding these changes please email the contact listed below.

Contact:
   Scott Rowe
   Senior Service Hydrologist
   National Weather Service - Sacramento
   scott.rowe@noaa.gov

Webpage Resources:
   National Water Prediction Service page for Benson’s Ferry: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/THTC1
   CNRFC forecast page for Benson’s Ferry: https://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=THTC1