Alabama River Flood Levels

The Alabama River flows from north of Montgomery to its confluence with the Tombigbee River in southwestern Alabama. Montgomery and Selma as well as nine counties are affected at flood stage, the water level at which lives, real estate or business in a specific area is affected.

History

• One of the most damaging floods occurred in February and March 1990 from Selma to the Alabama River's confluence with the Tombigbee River. Another notable flood occurred from February to March 1961 when the waters exceeded flood levels for 17 days.

Record Crests

• The record crest at Henry Lock and Dam occurred in March 1990 when the river rose to 135.43 feet, 13.43 feet above flood stage. Selma's record crest occurred in March 1961, when the river rose to 58.35 feet, 13.3 feet above flood stage.

Time Frame

• Flooding annually happens sometime between November and April when a weather front may cause several days of severe rains. Tropical storms and hurricanes less frequently cause flooding between July and November.

Flood Monitoring

• The National Weather Service provides up-to-date information on flood levels for the Alabama River. Gauges are located at Claiborne Dam, Miller's Ferry, Selma, Henry Lock and Dam and Montgomery.

Interesting Fact

• In February 1865, the Alabama River overflowed its banks and flooded the city of Cahaba. The waters were waist-high inside the prison at Cahaba and Confederate guards used boats to get to their jobs.