West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower flow report
As of July 15, 2026, West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower is flowing at 318 cfs with a gage height of 5.25 ft, receding 18% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #01541000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower at a glance
How West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower is flowing at 318 cfs, with the water sitting 5.25 ft at the gage. Flow is down 18% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #01541000 in Pennsylvania. Over the past 10 days the average has been 1,135 cfs, peaking at 3,530 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 #01541000).
Percentiles are flow-duration values computed from this gauge’s observed daily record as archived by Snoflo. Return periods are Weibull plotting-position estimates from observed annual maxima, provided as general reference context only. Always verify against official USGS NWIS records. Part of Snoflo for Engineering.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower is expected to recede from today's 318 cfs, toward roughly 219 cfs by 2026-07-20 (likely range 97-494 cfs) -- drier than normal for the date.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
| Date | Expected (p50) | Likely range (p25–p75) | vs normal | Projected stage |
|---|
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.
West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower
The river primarily receives water from its tributaries, including Bald Eagle Creek, and the nearby Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir. The flow varies seasonally, with higher levels in the spring due to snowmelt and rainfall. The hydrology of the river is affected by human activity, including damming and agriculture. One interesting fact about the West Branch Susquehanna River is that it is a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing and kayaking.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower | 318 cfs |
| Wb Susquehanna River Near Curwensville | 386 cfs |
| West Branch Susquehanna River At Hyde | 450 cfs |
| Clearfield Creek At Dimeling | 328 cfs |
| Mahoning Creek At Punxsutawney | 118 cfs |
| Little Mahoning Creek At Mccormick | 90 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower. 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 |
|---|---|
| Grampian | 0 in |
| Dubois 2.7 S | 0 in |
| Dubois 2s | 0 in |
| Philipsburg | 0 in |
| Ringgold 0.1 Ene | 0 in |
| Altoona 2 | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower.
Boat launches
See all →
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 West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower
Where does the streamflow data for West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 01541000. 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 West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower 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 West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower report
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