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This probabilistic forecast is issued by the Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center.
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Mapping
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About this graph
Forecasts for the Swatara Creek near Hershey are issued routinely year-round.
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Upstream Gauge - at Harper Tavern Upstream Gauge
Zoom Level:16
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
KML Image
Gauge LocationGauge Map Marker
Disclaimer
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.
Flood Impacts & Photos 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 Real-time and/or Archive Data Sources:

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.

Collaborative Agencies Collapse
The National Weather Service prepares its forecasts and other services in collaboration with agencies like the US Geological Survey, US Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineers, Natural Resource Conservation Service, National Park Service, ALERT Users Group, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and many state and local emergency managers across the country. For details, please click here.
NWS Information
National Weather Service
State College Weather Forecast Office
328 Innovation Boulevard, Suite 330
State College, PA 16803
(814) 954-6400
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Page last modified: 2-Nov-2020 7:30 PM
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