BIRCH RIVER AT HEROLD, WV

Rising over 24 hours: gauge height up 0.46 ft. Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.

• Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.

  Flood categories: action stage, minor, moderate and major flooding (National Weather Service)

• Rising water. Rising over the last 24 hours (gauge height up 0.46 ft). Keep your way back to the bank in sight and watch the level while you fish. “Rising” is our rule of thumb: more than 10% in discharge or 0.2 ft of gauge height in 24 hours, not a USGS or NWS class.

• Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.

  Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)

Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.

USGS gauge page NWS gauge HRLW2

Checked Nov 5, 9:39 PM EST; readings refresh at most every 15 minutes and statistics daily. Provisional USGS data can be revised. Conditions change: re-check before you go. This is general guidance, not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access.