Schuylkill River At Pottstown flow report
As of July 14, 2026, Schuylkill River At Pottstown is flowing at 601 cfs with a gage height of 1.64 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #01472000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Schuylkill River At Pottstown at a glance
How Schuylkill River At Pottstown is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Schuylkill River At Pottstown is flowing at 601 cfs, with the water sitting 1.64 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #01472000 in Pennsylvania. Over the past 10 days the average has been 718 cfs, peaking at 1,040 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, Schuylkill River At Pottstown is expected to hold near today's 615 cfs, toward roughly 647 cfs by 2026-07-18 (likely range 309-1354 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.
Schuylkill River At Pottstown
The constituents contributing to its flow include precipitation, runoff, and releases from upstream dams. The river is fed by several tributaries and dams, including the Manatawny Creek, French Creek, and the Blue Marsh Dam. Seasonal trends show higher flow during spring due to snowmelt and rainfall, while summer and fall experience lower flow. Interestingly, the Schuylkill River was once considered the most polluted river in the United States, but has undergone significant cleanup efforts in recent years. Today, it is a popular spot for recreational activities such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Schuylkill River At Pottstown's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Schuylkill River At Pottstown | 601 cfs |
| French Creek Near Phoenixville | 14 cfs |
| Manatawny Creek Near Spangsville | 21 cfs |
| Perkiomen Creek At Graterford | 92 cfs |
| Marsh Creek Near Glenmoore | 2 cfs |
| West Branch Perkiomen Creek At Hillegass | 7 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Schuylkill River At Pottstown. 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 |
|---|---|
| Glenmoore | 0 in |
| Morgantown 4.1 Nne | 0 in |
| Shillington 0.5 E | 0 in |
| Reading 4 Sw | 0 in |
| Reading 3.5 Sw | 0 in |
| Coatesville 1e | 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 Schuylkill River At Pottstown in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Schuylkill River At Pottstown crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Schuylkill River At Pottstown
Where does the streamflow data for Schuylkill River At Pottstown come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 01472000. 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 Schuylkill River At Pottstown 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 Schuylkill River At Pottstown report
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