USGS Station 02019500 • Lat 37.5307°, Long -79.6789° • Elevation Virginia Basin
Flow is in the bottom decile (below 10th percentile). Expect shallow sections, exposed rocks, and slower current.
Flow is in the lowest historical decile. Expect skinny-water presentations and higher wading pressure on fish.
Conditions change quickly. Always verify locally and use your own judgment before entering any body of water. This data is informational only and provided as-is.
James River at Buchanan, VA
View High-Res PhotoPins show this gauge (highlighted) and up to 5 nearby USGS stations. Tap any pin or use the list to check conditions upstream or downstream.
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Guide or outfit trips near James River at Buchanan, VA?
Connect directly with river runners checking water levels on station #02019500.
Verified answers based on USGS station #02019500 live telemetry and historical statistics.
The current water level (stage height) at James River at Buchanan, VA (USGS #02019500) is 2.05 ft with a streamflow discharge of 434 CFS. Real-time condition is rated Low (slightly below average for this specific day of the year) and stream levels are holding steady.
Normal seasonal flow for James River at Buchanan, VA is determined from decades of USGS daily-mean discharge percentiles. Flow between the 10th percentile (614 CFS) and 75th percentile (2,400 CFS) is classified as Normal, with the historical daily mean flow being 471 CFS for this date.
The official National Weather Service (NWS) flood stage for USGS #02019500 is 14 feet. With current water level at 2.05 ft, this station is currently below flood stage (margin of 11.9 ft).
USGS gauge #02019500 (James River at Buchanan, VA) is located at latitude 37.5307°, longitude -79.6789° in Virginia. Data is transmitted via USGS GOES satellite telemetry every 15 to 60 minutes and refreshed automatically on ClearGauge every 15 minutes.
Current flow is rated Low. Flow is below normal seasonal levels. Expect shallow shoals, exposed bedrock, and slower navigation. Always inspect rapids in person, wear a USCG-approved PFD, and check weather alerts before launching.
National Water Information System (NWIS) • Automated satellite telemetry transmission every 15 to 60 minutes.
Live readings via USGS satellite telemetry, updated every 15–60 minutes. Low / Normal / High verdicts are based on the 10th and 75th percentile discharge thresholds from the USGS Daily Statistics Service (decades of approved daily-mean data). Flood Risk uses the NWS published flood stage where available. Full methodology →
River Safety Notice
River conditions can change abruptly due to upstream reservoir releases, sudden mountain thunderstorms, flash flooding, and seasonal snowmelt surges. Always scout rapids prior to commitment, wear an approved USCG Type III/V Personal Flotation Device (PFD), carry appropriate rescue gear, and check local emergency management bulletins before launching.
