1.  How can I get old river stage values?

   • The U.S. Geologic Survey is responsible for maintaining the historical record of river stage data.  You can start looking for this data here.

2. How can I get weather information for a certain date?

   • All weather data is kept at the National Climatic Data Center.

3. Why don't you forecast for river X or city Y?

   • A number of factors come into play when deciding which rivers and towns receive forecasts: 

     • Size matters - All River Forecast Center forecasting operations are geared towards larger streams and rivers...points that do no see significant rises until at least 6 hours after rainfall begins.  In the MARFC area, this generally translates into a stream draining at least 50 square miles.

     • Location, location, location - In general, there should be a river gage where we make our forecasts.  We need stage readings to help us set up our forecasting procedures for that point and to tell us how well our models are handling the situation.

     • The powers that be - In the end, it is a combination of local emergency management officials and the National Weather Service who decide which locations are forecasted.

4. Do you have information/photographs from the Hurricane Agnes/January 1996/March 1936/etc. floods?

   • Most of the information that we keep from major flood events are internal post-event assessments and various technical reports. We also have a limited amount of recent flood photographs here. Your best bet is to check with your local library or historical society first.

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