North Branch Park River at Hartford, CT
River level and flood forecast · Hartford County
The river is 5.8 ft below flood stage (8 ft).
Flow: 60 cubic feet per second (USGS).
Much higher than normal for October 13.
Usual for October 13: 4 to 13 cubic feet per second (the middle half of 63 years).
The last 7 days and the forecast
NWS forecast issued Sun, Dec 31, 7 PM. Forecasts change as rain falls and as upstream water arrives.
Get flood alerts for this river
An email when the National Weather Service forecasts North Branch Park River at Hartford to flood, when it floods, and when it's over.
Flood stages
| Major flood stage | 13 ft |
| Moderate flood stage | 11 ft |
| Flood stage | 8 ft |
| Action stage | 6 ft |
| Record crest (August 19, 1955) | 18.8 ft |
What floods at each level
From the National Weather Service, highest first.
- 17 ftThis is a life threatening flood. Significant flooding will occur along the river and will spread through much of westbrook village. Other flood prone locations at 17 feet include Albany Avenue and pembroke, thomaston and palm streets.
- 15 ftSignificant flooding to both business and residential areas along the north branch of the park river is likely. If you are urged to evacuate, do so immediately. Flooding will spread across elizabeth and asylum streets as well as woodside circle. Never venture into flooded areas. You will only hamper efforts of the local police and emergency management people.
- 13 ftAnyone in a flood prone location must act quickly to escape flood waters. Flooding is likely to spread across portions of Capital Avenue, Willow Street and homestead aveneue. If you are asked to evacuate, do so immediately. Follow the directions provided by your local officials.
- 11 ftBe ready to act quickly if you are in an area prone to flooding. Flooding is expected along sections of Forest Street, Framington Avenue, as well as portions of Untless Lane and the lowest lying section of westbrook village along mark Twain Drive.
- 8 ftLowland flooding will occur along the north branch of the park river. Portions of the university of hartford campus parking lots along the river will become flooded. Action must be taken now to protect cars in these lots. Never try to cross a flooded roadway. The Road may be damaged or washed out.
Highest crests on record
- 18.8 ft — August 19, 1955
- 12.43 ft — September 2, 2021
- 12.4 ft — October 16, 1955
- 12.22 ft — September 8, 2011
- 11.86 ft — June 6, 1982
Recent crests: 10.06 ft (January 10, 2024) · 9.36 ft (December 18, 2023) · 12.43 ft (September 2, 2021) · 8.17 ft (August 23, 2021) · 9.98 ft (August 19, 2021)
Highest flow on record
10,000 cubic feet per second — August 19, 1955. From the USGS's yearly peaks since 1936.
Up and down the river, and nearby
Not an official source. River levels, forecasts, flood stages and impacts are from the National Weather Service (NBPC3); flow from the U.S. Geological Survey. Readings are provisional. In a flood, follow your local officials and the NWS at weather.gov.