FLOOD FORECASTING
Flood forecasting includes the collection of rainfall and streamflow data and the use of models to predict the timing and height of flooding. The National Weather Service is the primary agency responsible for flood forecasting in the Delaware River Basin. This agency collects data, predicts flood crests, and issues flood forecasts for the main stem Delaware and all tributaries where automated stream gages are equipped with satellite telemetry.
The U.S. Geological Survey is the primary agency responsible for the operation and maintenance of the gages and telemetry. Local financial sponsorship is required to support many stream gages. In addition to the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Delaware River Basin Commission, the states of Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, as well as a number of businesses, support numerous stream gages within the basin.
The precipitation network is maintained primarily by the National Weather Service, but state and county emergency offices and volunteers also participate. Although ice jam flooding is difficult to forecast, the National Weather Service uses observations by the National Park Service and others in issuing advisories about ice flooding. The National Weather Service issues general flash flood guidance as well as small stream and urban flood watches. This information applies to small watersheds without stream gages. Flooding on small watersheds can occur very quickly - often in less than an hour during heavy thunderstorms.
OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:
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IMPORTANCE OF STREAM GAGES |
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NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE |
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DRBC STREAMFLOW INFORMATION LINKS |
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DRBC WEATHER INFORMATION LINKS |
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FLOOD MANAGEMENT BENEFITS OF THE USGS STREAM GAGING PROGRAM (4 MB - free Adobe reader required to view this 2006 report prepared by the National Hydrologic Warning Council) |
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Voice
(609) 883 - 9500 FAX
(609) 883 - 9522 
clarke.rupert@drbc.state.nj.us