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Swatara Creek near Hershey, PA (HERP1)

Data Type




Inundation Levels
NAVD88 Stage

356.331.1
354.429.2
353.328.1
352.527.3
Record Crest: 26.8 ft
351.326.1
350.325.1
349.324.1
348.323.1
347.522.3
346.321.1
344.819.6
343.318.1
342.317.1
341.316.1
340.315.1
339.314.1
Major Flooding Begins

338.313.1
337.312.1
336.311.1
335.310.1
Moderate Flooding Begins

334.39.1
333.38.1
332.37.1
Minor Flooding Begins

331.36.1
Near Flooding Begins


Below Flooding Begins

* = Extended rating
Weather Forecast Office State College, PA Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center
Hydrograph River at a Glance Download Inundation
Mapping
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Click on mapped inundation to see water depth values for that location, or hold shift and drag to zoom to area.

Current Stage:
2.1 ft at 04/28/2024 07:45:00 UTC
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Inundation Legend
Depth in feet
USGS Gauge Location Gauge Location
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Latitude/Longitude Disclaimer: The gauge location shown in the above map is the approximate location based on the latitude/longitude coordinates provided to the NWS by the gauge owner.

Gauge Information Collapse

Map Overlays
Flood Categories (in feet)
Major Flood Stage: 14
Moderate Flood Stage: 10
Flood Stage: 7
Action Stage: 6
Low Stage (in feet): 0

Historic Crests
(1) 26.80 ft on 09/08/2011
(2) 17.08 ft on 07/26/2018
(3) 16.12 ft on 06/29/2006
(4) 15.36 ft on 09/27/1975
(5) 14.43 ft on 01/25/1979
Show More Historic Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Recent Crests
(1) 7.82 ft on 01/11/2024 (P)
(2) 7.07 ft on 01/10/2024 (P)
(3) 7.98 ft on 12/19/2023 (P)
(4) 7.98 ft on 12/19/2023 (P)
(5) 14.01 ft on 09/03/2021
Show More Recent Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Low Water Records
(1) 1.20 ft on 07/14/1983
(2) 1.40 ft on 09/15/1980
(3) 1.40 ft on 08/15/1987
(4) 1.44 ft on 09/12/1977
(5) 1.44 ft on 07/17/1988

Graphical representation of flood inundation for NWS flood categories are based on steady state hydraulic modeling of water surface elevations for incremented discharges. Map shows approximate inundation areas for given water surface elevations and should not be used for navigation or permitting or other legal purposes, but strictly as a planning reference tool.

Site-specific information:

The project report can be found here.
Flood Impacts Collapse
If you notice any errors in the below information, please contact our Webmaster
27 FEMA 0.2% Annual Chance Flood Level (500-year flood).
26.8 Flood of record from the flooding in September, 2011. Maximum recordable gage height (stage sensor operational limit). Water levels above this stage will not be reported in real time.
20 FEMA 1% Annual Chance Flood Level (100-year flood).
18 Flood waters begin to reach the Route 39 Bridge (Hershey Road) northwest of Hershey. FEMA 2% Annual Chance Flood Level (50-year flood).
16 Numerous homes adjacent to the creek are affected by high water.
14 Numerous homes adjacent to the creek are affected by high water.
12 High water affects several homes upstream of the Route 39 bridge. FEMA 10% Annual Chance Flood Level (10-year flood).
10 A few homes adjacent to the creek upstream of the Route 39 bridge flood.
8 The right, or north bank overflows. Several roads are affected.
7 The right, or north bank begins to overflow. Several roadways upstream of the gage are affected by high water.
Photos
(1) looking upstream
(2) view of the gagehouse
(3) looking downstream
Other Data Sources Collapse
Additional Information Collapse
Potential River Levels - Used to
Potential River Levels
Used to Estimate the Chance of Flooding and the Range of Possible River Levels
10 Day (HEFS) 7 Day (NAEFS) 7 Day (GEFS)
HEFS Ensemble NAEFS Ensemble GEFS Ensemble

Note: Use the official hydrograph at the top of this web page for river levels within the next 72 hours.

Click individual graphics to enlarge.
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Graphical representation of flood inundation for NWS flood categories are based on steady state hydraulic modeling of water surface elevations for incremented discharges. Map shows approximate inundation areas for given water surface elevations and should not be used for navigation or permitting or other legal purposes, but strictly as a planning reference tool.