Nibi Metrics
Real-time water levels, forecasts, and alerts for lakes and rivers across Canada and the US. Built on official government data.
Nibi Metrics turns raw gauge readings from official hydrometric networks into something a person standing on a dock can actually use: is the water high or low for today, which way is it moving, and how unusual is this? This page explains where every number on the platform comes from and what we do to it along the way.
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Watts Branch at Washington Water Level
Live river level, flow, historical records and forecast for Watts Branch at Washington in DC, United States, built from official government gauge data.
- Location DC, United States
- Watershed middle potomac anacostia occoquan
- Primary gauge 01651800 (USGS)
About Watts Branch at Washington
Watts Branch - A vital tributary in the urban landscape of Washington, D.C.
Watts Branch runs through the heart of Washington, D.C., serving as an essential tributary within the larger Middle Potomac-Anacostia-Occoquan watershed. With a drainage area of approximately 3.4 square miles above the monitoring station, it captures rainwater and surface runoff that contributes to the overall health of the Potomac Basin.
The watershed context
This branch, like many others in the Mid-Atlantic region, is influenced by the seasonal rhythms of its environment. Winters and springs often see increased rainfall leading to flooding, particularly in urban areas where impervious surfaces are prevalent. The remnants of tropical systems can also affect water levels, introducing the potential for extreme events. Such hydrological dynamics shape the character of Watts Branch and its surroundings, aligning with the broader trends observed in the Potomac Basin.
The area's proximity to a network of other water bodies enhances the interconnections of the local hydrology. Peers like Accotink Creek and the Anacostia River underscore the watershed's network, contributing to the resilience of the ecosystem and the diverse aquatic habitats that thrive here.
Why the data matters here
Data collected from the USGS monitoring station at Watts Branch provides critical insights into water levels and flow patterns. Today's measurement is instrumental for local stakeholders, including residents, city planners, and environmentalists. The current reading allows for comparisons against long-term historical records, facilitating a better understanding of flood risks and environmental health.
In examining today's reading relative to the median for this date over the past 34 years, we gain valuable context. Tracking water levels in this manner allows for more informed decisions regarding land use, flood preparedness, and conservation efforts. The work of the USGS helps ensure that those who live, work, and engage with the waters of Watts Branch can respond effectively to its ever-changing conditions.
How this page is built
Readings come from official government gauges and are rolled into daily records: the daily mean, high and low for every day on record. Each calendar day gets its own baseline from the full history, so the level you see is compared against what this specific date usually looks like rather than an annual average.
How Nibi Metrics works · Water stories
