East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick flow report
As of July 15, 2026, East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick is flowing at 6 cfs with a gage height of 19.35 ft. Source: USGS gauge #01174500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick at a glance
How East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick is flowing at 6 cfs, with the water sitting 19.35 ft at the gage.
This is USGS gauge #01174500 in Massachusetts. Over the past 10 days the average has been 13 cfs, peaking at 24 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Massachusetts flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick is expected to rise from today's 6 cfs, toward roughly 7 cfs by 2026-07-20 (likely range 1-35 cfs) -- running well below the seasonal normal.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year overlay, annual peak discharge, the full distribution of daily flows on record, and the gauge's rating curve.
Weather Forecast
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick
The primary flow provider for the river is rainfall, with the potential for snowmelt during the winter months. The East Branch Swift River is fed by several tributaries, including Moose Brook and Webster Brook. There are no major dams on this particular section of the river. Seasonal trends show that the river experiences high flows in the spring due to snowmelt and precipitation, while low flows are typically seen in the late summer and early fall. Interestingly, the river has been known to dry up completely during periods of drought.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick | 6 cfs |
| West Branch Swift River Near Shutesbury | 2 cfs |
| Ware River At Intake Works Near Barre | 19 cfs |
| Swift River At West Ware | 49 cfs |
| Ware River At Gibbs Crossing | 60 cfs |
| Ware River Near Barre | 8 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick. Spring snowmelt is the dominant driver of streamflow in mountain basins -- a deep snowpack upstream means more runoff later in the season.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Hardwick 2 Ese | 0 in |
| Barre Falls Dam | 0 in |
| Warren 2.4 Wsw | 0 in |
| Amherst | 0 in |
| Tully Lake | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Leicester 2.5 Wsw | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick.
Boat launches
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Nearby fishing
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River levels & flood safety
- Read the level before you go
- A river that's runnable at one flow can be deadly at another. Check current discharge and gage height — like the values shown above — against the flood-stage thresholds, and remember levels can spike fast after rain or a dam release.
- Respect cold water
- Snowmelt rivers run cold even in summer. Sudden immersion triggers cold-water shock and saps strength within minutes. Wear a PFD, dress for the water temperature (not the air), and never wade or paddle alone.
- Watch for swiftwater hazards
- Strainers (downed trees), undercut rocks, and low-head dams are the deadliest features on moving water. High, fast, muddy water hides them. If in doubt, scout from shore and portage.
- Mind flash floods & releases
- Narrow canyons can flood from a storm miles upstream, and dam-controlled reaches can rise without warning. Know the forecast, the release schedule, and your exit before you launch.
Track East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick
Where does the streamflow data for East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 01174500. Snoflo refreshes the time series throughout the day. Forecasts come from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
USGS gauges report continuously (typically every 15 minutes). Snoflo pulls fresh values throughout the day — look for the "as of" timestamp on the streamflow hero card.
What's the difference between discharge and gage height?
Discharge (cubic feet per second, or cfs) is the volume of water flowing past the gauge each second. Gage height is how high the water sits at the gauge (feet). They're related by a rating curve specific to each gauge — higher water means more flow, but the exact ratio depends on channel shape.
How is "percent of median" calculated?
Today's discharge is compared to the historical median discharge on this calendar day across the gauge's full record. 100% = right on median; 200% = a very high year; 30% = a drought-level low.
What are flood stages, and is this river safe right now?
Flood stages are NWS-defined gage-height thresholds — Action, Minor, Moderate, Major — marking when nearby roads or floodplains start to be affected. "Safe" depends on your activity and skill: a level that's a fun paddle for an expert can be lethal for a wader. Always check the current level against the thresholds above and the safety links, and when in doubt, stay off the water.
Can I get alerts when East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick rises?
Yes — flow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this gauge, set a streamflow threshold (e.g. "alert me when discharge crosses 5,000 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
Access the free East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick report
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