Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern flow report
As of July 15, 2026, Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern is flowing at 59 cfs with a gage height of 0.14 ft, receding 16% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #01573000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern at a glance
How Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern is flowing at 59 cfs, with the water sitting 0.14 ft at the gage. Flow is down 16% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #01573000 in Pennsylvania. Over the past 10 days the average has been 86 cfs, peaking at 128 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Pennsylvania flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern is expected to rise from today's 71 cfs, toward roughly 79 cfs by 2026-07-19 (likely range 29-217 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.
Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern
The tributaries that contribute to the creek's flow include Stony Creek, Beaver Creek, and Quittapahilla Creek. There are several dams along the creek, including the Union Canal Dam and the Booth's Mill Dam. Seasonal trends show that the creek experiences peak flows during the spring months due to snowmelt and heavy rainfall. In the winter, the creek may experience ice jams that can cause flooding. Interesting facts about the hydrology of the Swatara Creek include the presence of limestone formations along the creek bed and the occurrence of sinkholes in the surrounding area.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern | 59 cfs |
| Quittapahilla Creek Near Bellegrove | 30 cfs |
| Swatara Creek Near Inwood | 41 cfs |
| Swatara Creek Near Hershey | 119 cfs |
| Swatara Creek Near Pine Grove | 35 cfs |
| Conewago Creek Near Bellaire | 5 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern. 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 |
|---|---|
| Lebanon 2 W | 0 in |
| Lebanon 1.3 Sw | 0 in |
| Paxtonia 1.7 E | 0 in |
| Swatara Creek Near Hershey | 0 in |
| Pine Grove | 0 in |
| Middletown 2.9 Nw | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern.
Nearby reservoirs
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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 Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern
Where does the streamflow data for Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 01573000. 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 Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern 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 Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern report
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