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USGS Gage at Watts Branch
Monitoring Site
The USGS river gage at Watts Branch in Washington, DC (site number 01651800) provides continuous monitoring of streamflow and water levels in this small urban watershed. Located near the eastern edge of the city, the gage tracks conditions in a drainage area of about 3.36 square miles. This site records real-time data such as gage height and discharge, which are essential for understanding flood risks, stormwater impacts, and long-term hydrologic trends in one of DC?s most urbanized tributaries to the Anacostia River. Historic crests at Watts Branch have exceeded 11 feet during major storm events, underscoring its vulnerability to flash flooding. The information collected supports flood forecasting, water quality studies, and community planning, making the gage a vital tool for both scientists and local agencies.
Federal and state agencies maintain river level monitors throughout the Potomac River Basin.
The U.S.Geological Survey compiles real-time information from river monitors, in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Current stream conditions are shown in the graph below:
For real-time data on this site, select this link.
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Contact Information
U.S. Geological Survey
5522 Research Park Drive
Baltimore MD 21228
443-498-5500
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