Major Flood
22 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
20 ft
Minor Flood
16 ft
Action Stage
12 ft
What Floods at Each Level
25 ft
Levees in the Bethleham area are topped. Major flooding begins.
16 ft
Wilson Avenue takes on water.
15.5 ft
Sand Island Recreational Area in Bethlehem is flooded.
15 ft
The islands in the Allentown area begin to flood.
14 ft
Flooding begins upstream in Allentown. Backwater begins to effect the Little Lehigh and Jordan creeks.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| May 22, 1942 | 25.9 ft | 92,000 cfs |
| Feb 27, 1902 | 24.9 ft | 88,000 cfs |
| Aug 18, 1955 | 23.38 ft | 91,300 cfs |
About This Gauge
Get Flood Alerts for Lehigh River
StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Lehigh River at Bethlehem?
The Lehigh River at Bethlehem gauge is maintained by USGS (site 01453000) and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Lehigh River at Bethlehem?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Lehigh River at Bethlehem is 16 feet. Action stage begins at 12 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 20 feet, and major flooding at 22 feet.
How do I get alerts when Lehigh River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Lehigh River at Bethlehem to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category.
Where is the Lehigh River at Bethlehem gauge located?
The gauge is located in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania at coordinates 40.6153°N, 75.3792°W. USGS site number: 01453000. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey