Buffalo Creek Near Freeport flow report
As of July 15, 2026, Buffalo Creek Near Freeport is flowing at 323 cfs, rising 194% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #03049000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Buffalo Creek Near Freeport at a glance
How Buffalo Creek Near Freeport is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Buffalo Creek Near Freeport is flowing at 323 cfs, with the water sitting 2.25 ft at the gage. Flow is up 194% since yesterday — a rising hydrograph.
This is USGS gauge #03049000 in Pennsylvania. Over the past 10 days the average has been 153 cfs, peaking at 323 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Pennsylvania flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #03049000).
Percentiles are flow-duration values from this gauge’s observed daily record. Return periods are Weibull plotting-position estimates from observed annual maxima — decision-support context, not a regulatory flood-frequency analysis (no Bulletin 17C fitting). Verify against USGS NWIS approved records for permitting or litigation use. Part of Snoflo for Engineering.
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.
Buffalo Creek Near Freeport
There are no major dams or tributaries that significantly impact the flow of the stream. Seasonal trends show that the flow is highest during the spring months due to increased precipitation and snowmelt. Interestingly, the Buffalo Creek is known for a major disaster in 1972, when a dam burst caused a massive flood that killed 125 people and caused significant damage to the area. Today, the stream gauge is used to monitor the flow and prevent similar disasters.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Buffalo Creek Near Freeport's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Buffalo Creek Near Freeport | 323 cfs |
| Allegheny River At Natrona | 8,120 cfs |
| Crooked Creek At Crooked Creek Dam | 1,690 cfs |
| Kiskiminetas River At Vandergrift | 1,520 cfs |
| Allegheny River At Kittanning | 4,920 cfs |
| Little Pine Creek Near Etna | 1 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Buffalo Creek Near Freeport. 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 |
|---|---|
| Cabot 1.6 Wnw | 0 in |
| Crooked Creek Lake | 0 in |
| Salina | 0 in |
| Meridian 1.4 Sw | 0 in |
| Fox Run 1.6 Nne | 0 in |
| Braddock Lock And Dam | 0 in |
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 Buffalo Creek Near Freeport in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Buffalo Creek Near Freeport crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Buffalo Creek Near Freeport
Where does the streamflow data for Buffalo Creek Near Freeport come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 03049000. 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 Buffalo Creek Near Freeport 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 Buffalo Creek Near Freeport report
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