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Susquehanna River at Harrisburg, PA (HARP1)

Data Type




Inundation Levels
NAVD88 Stage

326.3*37.0*
325.3*36.0*
324.3*35.0*
323.3*34.0*
322.6*33.3*
Record Crest: 33.27 ft
322.333.0
321.332.0
320.331.0
319.330.0
318.329.0
317.328.0
316.327.0
315.326.0
314.325.0
313.324.0
Major Flooding Begins

312.323.0
311.322.0
310.321.0
Moderate Flooding Begins

309.320.0
308.319.0
307.318.0
Minor Flooding Begins

306.317.0
305.316.0
304.315.0
303.314.0
302.313.0
301.312.0
Near Flooding Begins

300.311.0
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:
5.6 ft at 04/25/2024 04:00:00 UTC
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Inundation Legend
Depth in feet
USGS Gauge Location Gauge Location
What is UTC time? Map Help

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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: 23
Moderate Flood Stage: 20
Flood Stage: 17
Action Stage: 11
Low Stage (in feet): 0

Historic Crests
(1) 33.27 ft on 06/24/1972
(2) 29.23 ft on 03/19/1936
(3) 26.80 ft on 06/02/1889
(4) 25.70 ft on 05/22/1894
(5) 25.17 ft on 09/09/2011
Show More Historic Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Recent Crests
(1) 17.32 ft on 07/26/2018
(2) 25.17 ft on 09/09/2011
(3) 18.39 ft on 04/29/2011
(4) 20.09 ft on 03/12/2011
(5) 19.66 ft on 06/29/2006
Show More Recent Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Low Water Records
(1) 1.83 ft on 09/13/1964
(2) 2.46 ft on 09/25/1963
(3) 2.48 ft on 11/29/1930
(4) 2.59 ft on 09/28/1959
(5) 2.67 ft on 11/06/1964
Show More Low Water Records

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:

Susquehanna River at Harrisburg Disclaimer: Flood boundaries shown reflect unobstructed flooding or backwater from only the Susquehanna River.  Additional areas may be flooded if the river becomes obstructed (i.e. debris/ice) or as a result of flooding from tributary streams.  Residents living near tributaries of the Susquehanna River should be particularly cautious due to added uncertainty associated with the potential for flooding from multiple sources.  The relevant USGS publication can be found here (URL TBD). Alternate map viewers, SIMV and FIMI (URL TBD), are also available.  These maps were developed by the Pennsylvania Silver Jackets Team - with a goal of reducing flood risk in the Commonwealth.  Primary partners are USACE, USGS, SRBC, NWS and The Harrisburg Authority.

Extended rating:
Rating Curve Extension - The Rating Curve Extension is calculated by using either a linear, logarithmic, or hydraulic technique to extend the rating curve above the currently established relationship between stage and flow.
Flood Impacts Collapse
If you notice any errors in the below information, please contact our Webmaster
37 FEMA 0.2% Annual Chance Flood Level (500 year flood).
35 Flood waters begin to reach the Harvey Taylor Bridge.
33.3 Flood of record from Hurricane Agnes in 1972.
32 Widespread flooding occurs on both banks. The square and central business district in Harrisburg begin to be affected.
30 Widespread flooding occurs on both banks.
29 FEMA 1% Annual Chance Flood Level (100-year flood). Flood waters begin to reach the Market Street Bridge.
28 Widespread flooding occurs in the residential sections of Front and Second Streets and in the Shipoke area of Harrisburg. Flooding reaches Italian Lake Park in Harrisburg.
26 FEMA 2% Annual Chance Flood Level (50-year flood). Flood waters begin to reach the Walnut Street Bridge. Green and Vaughn Streets flood.
24 The residential section of Front and Second Streets in Harrisburg flood at this level. Cameron Street in Harrisburg floods due to backwater from Paxton Creek.
23 Evacuations are necessary in the Shipoke area of Harrisburg. Listen to local emergency officials for specific details. The water level reaches the corner of Kelker and Front Streets. Delaware Street, Geiger Street and Maclay Streets may also be impacted.
22.5 US 22/322 in the vicinity of the Dauphin Narrows is impacted by flood waters.
21 Homes on both banks are affected by high water. This is the approximate level of Routes 11 and 15, upstream of the Market Street Bridge. Flood waters begin to reach South Main Street in Marysville.
20.5 FEMA 10% Annual Chance Flood Level (10-year flood).
20 Riverfront Park in Harrisburgh begins to flood.
19 A number of homes in West Fairview, Dauphin, and Harrisburg flood. Flood waters begin to reach Front Street in East Pennsboro Township in Cumberland County.
17 Basements of residences and businesses on both banks flood. The parking lot on City Island begins to take on water.
15 The recreation area of City Island is evacuated. River interests are encouraged to monitor conditions.
13 The recreation area on City Island is evacuated. River interests are encouraged to monitor conditions.
11 Recreational use of City Island begins to be curtailed. River interests are encouraged to monitor conditions.
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.