Great Falls Park

Photo Gallery

2010 Flood

Flood caused by rain and snowmelt on March 13-15, 2010

Looking downstream from Overlook 1

A view looking downstream near the time that the river crested.

2010 flood , overlook , high water
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Overlook 1 during the flood

The river was high enough to splash over the retaining wall next to the wayside.

2010 flood
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Mather Plaque

View of the flood's crest from Mather Plaque on the River Trail.

2010 flood
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AA Gorge footbridge on the River Trail

The AA Gorge bridge on the River Trail went underwater during the flood.

2010 flood
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Overlook 3 near the flood's crest

Photo taken from Overlook 3 near the flood's crest.

2010 flood
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High Water Marks pole

Flood's crest viewed from behind the High Water Mark pole. The water did not get high enough to cover the overlooks.

2010 flood
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Downstream view from Overlook 3

A view looking downstream from Overlook 3. Clifftops that are normally 30+ feet above the river are under water.

2010 flood
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Debris in Fisherman's Eddy

Debris floats in Fisherman's Eddy during the flood's crest. Most of it will be left behind as the flood waters recede.

2010 flood , fishermans eddy
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North Parking Lot

Geese swim in the flooded field next to the north parking lot.

2010 flood
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Tree floating downstream

A large tree is carried downstream through Mather Gorge.

2010 flood
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Canal Cut during flood

The Canal Cut, where locks 4 and 5 were located, during the flood.

2010 flood
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Overlook 1 Comparison Photo

Each of these photos was taken in the same location at Overlook 1.

2010 flood , Overlook 1
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Great Falls from Overlook 3

The Falls at a normal water level. During a flood, they are completely underwater.

great falls
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Trails upstream of the Visitor Center

Flooding along the trail that connects Great Falls with Riverbend Park.

2010 flood
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Standing waves

These waves are formed as floodwater flows over submerged rocks. C&O Canal's overlook can be seen to the right side of the picture.

2010 flood
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2010 Flood

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