Susquehanna River at Harrisburg
Pennsylvania — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania on the Susquehanna River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 01570500, updated every 15 minutes.
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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Flood Stages
Major Flood
23 ft
Moderate Flood
20 ft
Minor Flood
17 ft
Action Stage
11 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
37 ft
FEMA 0.2% Annual Chance Flood Level (500 year flood).
35 ft
Flood waters begin to reach the Harvey Taylor Bridge.
33.3 ft
Flood of record from Hurricane Agnes in 1972.
32 ft
Widespread flooding occurs on both banks. The square and central business district in Harrisburg begin to be affected.
30 ft
Widespread flooding occurs on both banks.
29 ft
FEMA 1% Annual Chance Flood Level (100-year flood). Flood waters begin to reach the Market Street Bridge.
28 ft
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 ft
FEMA 2% Annual Chance Flood Level (50-year flood). Flood waters begin to reach the Walnut Street Bridge. Green and Vaughn Streets flood.
24 ft
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 ft
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 ft
US 22/322 in the vicinity of the Dauphin Narrows is impacted by flood waters.
21 ft
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 ft
FEMA 10% Annual Chance Flood Level (10-year flood).
20 ft
Riverfront Park in Harrisburg begins to flood.
19 ft
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 ft
Basements of residences and businesses on both banks flood. The parking lot on City Island begins to take on water.
15 ft
The recreation area of City Island is evacuated. River interests are encouraged to monitor conditions.
13 ft
The recreation area on City Island is evacuated. River interests are encouraged to monitor conditions.
11 ft
Recreational use of City Island begins to be curtailed. River interests are encouraged to monitor conditions.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 23, 1972 | 33.27 ft | 1,020,000 cfs |
| Jun 23, 1972 | 33.27 ft | 1,020,000 cfs |
| Mar 18, 1936 | 29.23 ft | 740,000 cfs |
| Mar 18, 1936 | 29.23 ft | 740,000 cfs |
| Jun 1, 1889 | 26.8 ft | 654,000 cfs |
Flood Inundation Map
NOAA has mapped what areas flood at different water levels for this gauge. View the interactive flood inundation map →
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
HARP1
River
Susquehanna River
County
Dauphin, PA
Coordinates
40.2547°N, 76.8864°W
Get Flood Alerts for Susquehanna 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 Susquehanna River at Harrisburg?
The Susquehanna River at Harrisburg gauge is maintained by USGS (site 01570500) 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 Susquehanna River at Harrisburg?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Susquehanna River at Harrisburg is 17 feet. Action stage begins at 11 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 20 feet, and major flooding at 23 feet.
How do I get alerts when Susquehanna River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Susquehanna River at Harrisburg to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category — even when your screen is off.
Where is the Susquehanna River at Harrisburg gauge located?
The gauge is located in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania at coordinates 40.2547°N, 76.8864°W. USGS site number: 01570500. 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
- Gauge reading may be affected by ice. Forecast flows are unadjusted for ice.