Major Flood
14 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
Loading...
Streamflow
Loading...
Last Reading
Loading...
FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
10 ft
Minor Flood
7 ft
Action Stage
6 ft
What Floods at Each Level
27 ft
FEMA 0.2% Annual Chance Flood Level (500-year flood).
26.8 ft
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 ft
FEMA 1% Annual Chance Flood Level (100-year flood).
18 ft
Flood waters begin to reach the Route 39 Bridge (Hershey Road) northwest of Hershey. FEMA 2% Annual Chance Flood Level (50-year flood).
16 ft
Numerous homes adjacent to the creek are affected by high water.
14 ft
Numerous homes adjacent to the creek are affected by high water.
12 ft
High water affects several homes upstream of the Route 39 bridge. FEMA 10% Annual Chance Flood Level (10-year flood).
10 ft
A few homes adjacent to the creek upstream of the Route 39 bridge flood.
8 ft
The right, or north bank overflows. Several roads are affected.
7 ft
The right, or north bank begins to overflow. Several roadways upstream of the gage are affected by high water.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
Loading chart data...
Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 8, 2011 | 26.8 ft | 72,500 cfs |
| Jul 26, 2018 | 17.08 ft | 36,216 cfs |
| Jun 29, 2006 | 16.12 ft | — |
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
Get Flood Alerts for Swatara Creek
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 Swatara Creek near Hershey?
The Swatara Creek near Hershey gauge is maintained by USGS (site 01573560) 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 Swatara Creek near Hershey?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Swatara Creek near Hershey is 7 feet. Action stage begins at 6 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 10 feet, and major flooding at 14 feet.
How do I get alerts when Swatara Creek rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Swatara Creek near Hershey 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 Swatara Creek near Hershey gauge located?
The gauge is located in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania at coordinates 40.2983°N, 76.6681°W. USGS site number: 01573560. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Swatara Creek
On This River
More Resources
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.