High water in MD creeks; impending flooding of Potomac River in Harpers Ferry

[Lauriep]

The Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers are expected to flood low-lying areas of Harpers Ferry, WV tomorrow, and the C&O Canal (A.T.) on the Maryland side will be flooded sooner. The Goodloe Byron Memorial Footbridge (the A.T.) over the Potomac is expected to be closed by Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (which has responsibility for the maintaining and administering the footbridge). Predictions put the flooding at 23.5 feet, which means Shenandoah

I'll post more information for long-distance hikers as it is available.


More of a potential safety hazard because they are unbridged are two small creeks in Maryland:

The two northernmost stream crossings on the A.T. in Maryland could be very high and potentially hazardous after last night's heavy rains (reported by a local trail volunteer to be 5.5"). Avoid or delay getting to this area today if you can. There is no easy way around the streams. These are the on the south side of Md. 491/Raven Rock rd. and Warner Gap Hollow Rd., about 6 and 7 miles south of the Pen/MD line. If you do cross when water is high, be sure to unbuckle your pack's waist belt. More tips about fording at www.appalachiantrail.org/healthandsafety.

These creeks probably have crested already and water levels should fall fairly quickly, but may be high throughout the day.

Laurie P.
ATC

[Lauriep]

From Harpers Ferry NHP's Facebook page:

"Flood Emergency at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Due to the heavy rains of Thursday, the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers are expected to flood in the Harpers Ferry area. Some evacuation of Harpers Ferry NHP's historic buildings and artifacts have been ordered. We will keep you apprised."

[Lauriep]

The footbridge over the Potomac River will close at 6:00 pm today (if not before) and is anticipated to remain closed probably through the weekend, and potentially longer. Damage to the C&O Towpath, may have to assessed before the bridge will open.

[yushan]

I got a chance to look at the creek immediately south of Raven Rock Rd in northern MD. This afternoon (May 16) it was 12 feet across, some 18 inches to 2 feet deep with rushing water over large and medium size rocks. It's crossable but your shoes are going to get wet.

The Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers are expected to flood low-lying areas of Harpers Ferry, WV tomorrow, and the C&O Canal (A.T.) on the Maryland side will be flooded sooner. The Goodloe Byron Memorial Footbridge (the A.T.) over the Potomac is expected to be closed by Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (which has responsibility for the maintaining and administering the footbridge). Predictions put the flooding at 23.5 feet, which means Shenandoah

I'll post more information for long-distance hikers as it is available.


More of a potential safety hazard because they are unbridged are two small creeks in Maryland:

The two northernmost stream crossings on the A.T. in Maryland could be very high and potentially hazardous after last night's heavy rains (reported by a local trail volunteer to be 5.5"). Avoid or delay getting to this area today if you can. There is no easy way around the streams. These are the on the south side of Md. 491/Raven Rock rd. and Warner Gap Hollow Rd., about 6 and 7 miles south of the Pen/MD line. If you do cross when water is high, be sure to unbuckle your pack's waist belt. More tips about fording at www.appalachiantrail.org/healthandsafety.

These creeks probably have crested already and water levels should fall fairly quickly, but may be high throughout the day.

Laurie P.
ATC

[Lauriep]

Thanks for the update, Yushan. This is very helpful. The reports I've heard when people had the worst problems at this creek were right in the middle of a very heavy rainstorm or right afterwards. On the other hand, a large river like the Potomac won't crest for a couple of days after the rains, even later during periods of heavy snowmelt.

The current river level for the Potomac at Harpers Ferry is 15.2 feet. The projection is for 23.4 feet, which would qualify as a "moderate" flood. The C&O Towpath is flooded across from Harpers Ferry at 18 feet. Other areas of the Towpath are already flooded. Some hikers made it through on the AT section of the Towpath this evening with no trouble, but it appears only a matter of time before that changes.

The bridge was not closed at 6pm as we were originally told; instead, Harpers Ferry NHP personnel were waiting for the customary 16' closure trigger to be reached. If the gate isn't yet closed, it will be soon.

You can monitor flood levels at http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydro...lwx&gage=HFEW2.

[Lauriep]

The Potomac River crested in the middle of the day (Sat. 5/17), submerging the C&O Towpath/A.T. on the Trail-north/Maryland side of the Goodloe Byron Memorial Footbridge at Harpers Ferry at the base of the footbridge. The floodwaters are expected to recede overnight, but the bridge will remain closed until damage is assessed. At this time, no one can say exactly when the bridge will re-open. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/harpersferrynps is being updated frequently. We will also update ATC's Trail Updates page at www.appalachiantrail.org/updates as we receive new information.

If long-distance hikers need to get across the Potomac, ATC can assist in arranging shuttles around the C&O portion, or hikers can call local shuttle service providers directly:

Teahorse Hostel, Harpers Ferry (304) 535-6848
River & Trail Outfitters, Knoxville, MD (888) i-GO-PLAY

[Lauriep]

The footbridge was re-opened at about 8:30 am this morning.

Laurie Potteiger
ATC