The National Weather Service (NWS) will institute daily river forecast services and river flood warning services on the Cacapon River in Morgan County, West Virginia, beginning September 26^th, 2012.

In April 2012, personnel from the NWS Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office (WFO) conducted a field survey to determine the flood threat along the Cacapon River in most of Morgan County. Based on the results of this survey, it was identified that a significant and frequent flood threat exists on this section of the Cacapon River.

Following coordination with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) West Virginia Water Science Center, and the Morgan County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, the NWS determined that forecast and warning services could be provided for this section of the river to better warn residents of Morgan County of impending flooding.

Starting September 26^th, the NWS will provide a 72-hour river forecast each morning. This forecast will be updated more frequently in the event of high water conditions. When the forecast is expected to reach the identified flood stage of 9.0 feet or higher, a flood warning will be issued for Morgan County. Flood warnings will remain in effect until levels of 9.0 feet or higher are no longer expected.

In most years, based on the 9.0 foot flood stage, flooding occurs on the Cacapon River at least once a year. The last time 9 feet was exceeded was in the late spring of 2011.

You can view the latest river levels for the Cacapon River here:
http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=lwx&gage=gcpw2
After September 26^th, you will also be able to view the forecast using the same link.

River information and forecasts for the nation, along with precipitation estimates, may be viewed online at http://water.weather.gov.