Hobbies And Interests
Definition of Flood Stage
Flood stage is the level at which a water rise causes an impact to those nearby. The higher a river goes above its flood stage, the more serious the damage can be. Flood stage is measured in feet, but these measurements are specific to location. A flood stage at one location will not be the same as another location, even along the same river. Unpopulated areas do not have flood stages since no one will be impacted by high water. The National Weather Service has a system to monitor rivers and can make predictions of future water levels.
White Springs
White Springs is a small town in north Florida near the source of the Suwannee River. The flood stage there is 77 feet. At 80 feet, water enters some homes. 84 feet is considered a major flood, and is a relatively rare event. Interstate 75 must be closed when the river hits a stage of 88 feet. Water did reach that level in April 1973, the worst recorded flooding ever at this location.
Suwannee Springs
Downriver from White Springs is the small community of Suwannee Springs. Flooding there begins at 67 feet, but citizens are advised to take action when the stage hits 65 feet. At 70 feet, water enters homes and floods secondary roads. Many houses become completely inundated at 79 feet. This level equals the worst flooding the area has experienced, which occurred in 1973.
Branford
The small town of Branford nestles right against the normally sleepy Suwannee River. Flood stage at Branford is 29 feet. However, at 25 feet the only entrance to Forest Glades subdivision becomes blocked. At 33 feet of water, flooding starts affecting properties closest to the river. The main street of Branford floods at 35 feet. Historically, the river has gone higher than that. A flood in April 1948 reached almost 39 feet.
Manatee Springs
Manatee Springs State Park is a popular destination for people needing a break from their routine. Being adjacent to the Suwannee River means that flooding is a threat here as well. Floods at parks can be more dangerous because vacationers and tourists often aren't paying attention to weather or news reports. The flood stage at Manatee Springs is 10 feet, and at 11.5 feet floodwater reaches the concession stand. A level of 16 feet or higher is considered a major flood event, and was only reached in April 1948.