Quick Answer: The primary gauge for WBR is BTRL1 at the Port Allen Lock (river mile 228.4). Flood stage is 35 feet. The all-time record crest was 47.26 feet in 1927. Check current levels at water.noaa.gov/gauges/btrl1.

Primary Gauge: BTRL1

The gauge that matters most for West Baton Rouge Parish is BTRL1, located at the Port Allen Lock on the Mississippi River at river mile 228.4. This gauge measures the river stage (height) and is used by the National Weather Service, Army Corps of Engineers, and local emergency management to monitor flood risk.

DetailInformation
Gauge IDBTRL1
LocationPort Allen Lock, Mississippi River
River Mile228.4
Flood Stage35 feet

Flood Stage Levels

The National Weather Service defines specific action levels for the Baton Rouge/Port Allen reach of the Mississippi River:

StageLevelWhat Happens
Action Stage~30 feetMonitoring begins; low-lying areas along the riverbank may see water
Flood Stage35 feetMinor flooding begins; some roads and low areas near the river are affected
Moderate Flood~40 feetSignificant flooding in unprotected areas; levee patrols intensify
Major Flood~44 feetSerious flooding; levee stress becomes a concern; evacuations possible in some areas
Important: The Mississippi River levee system protects most of WBR Parish from river flooding. However, high river stages affect drainage -- when the river is high, interior drainage cannot flow out as easily, increasing the risk of backwater and rainfall flooding behind the levees.

Historic Crests

Understanding historic river crests puts current levels in perspective:

YearCrest (feet)Notes
192747.26All-time record; the Great Mississippi Flood that led to the modern levee system
201145.0Morganza Floodway opened for the first time since 1973 to relieve pressure
2016~37River stage during the August 2016 rainfall flood event (rainfall flooding was the primary issue)
2019~42Prolonged high water event; river stayed above flood stage for months

Where to Check Current River Levels

There are several reliable sources to check the current Mississippi River level at Port Allen:

The NOAA page is recommended for most residents. It shows the current stage, the recent trend (rising, falling, or steady), and a forecast for the next several days.

What River Levels Mean for WBR

For most WBR residents behind the levee, the river stage is more relevant for drainage than direct flooding. When the river is high:

Staying Informed During High Water

When the Mississippi River approaches flood stage at Port Allen, WBR Parish Emergency Management and the Army Corps of Engineers increase monitoring and communication. Here is how to stay informed:

The August 2016 flood event demonstrated that rainfall flooding can be as devastating as river flooding in WBR Parish, even when the Mississippi River itself is not the direct threat. Monitor both river stages and local rainfall forecasts during the wet season.