River stage
Bethlehem, Lehigh River
- River level
- 2.79 ft
- Status
- Below flood stage
- 7-day change
- +1.43 ft
- Recent high
- 3.46 ft
- Recent low
- 1.32 ft
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS BETP1
- 30-day change
- +1.19 ft
- Average
- 1.67 ft
- Readings
- 122
- Data span
- 122 days
- Record crest
- 25.90 ft
In brief
The Lehigh River at Bethlehem, PA read 2.79 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 9.21 ft below action stage. That is 1.19 ft higher than 30 days earlier.
Source: National Weather Service gauge BETP1
River level timeline
Stage threshold profile
Highest crests on record
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25.90 ft | 1942-05-23 |
| 2 | 24.90 ft | 1902-02-28 |
| 3 | 23.38 ft | 1955-08-19 |
| 4 | 20.02 ft | 1972-06-23 |
| 5 | 19.70 ft | 2004-09-18 |
| 6 | 19.53 ft | 2021-09-02 |
| 7 | 18.70 ft | 1933-08-24 |
| 8 | 18.53 ft | 1935-07-10 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
What happens at each level
- 14.00 ft
Flooding begins upstream in Allentown. Backwater begins to effect the Little Lehigh and Jordan creeks.
- 15.00 ft
The islands in the Allentown area begin to flood.
- 15.50 ft
Sand Island Recreational Area in Bethlehem is flooded.
- 16.00 ft
Wilson Avenue takes on water.
- 25.00 ft
Levees in the Bethleham area are topped. Major flooding begins.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lehigh River flooding at Bethlehem?
No. The Lehigh River at Bethlehem is at 2.79 ft, 9.21 ft below action stage.
What is the flood stage at Bethlehem?
The National Weather Service sets action stage 12 ft, minor flooding 16 ft, moderate flooding 20 ft and major flooding 22 ft.
What is the highest the Lehigh River has been at Bethlehem?
The highest crest on record is 25.9 ft, on 1942-05-23.
Is the Lehigh River high or low right now at Bethlehem?
At 2.79 ft it is higher than 97% of readings over the last 122 days.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge BETP1); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 01453000). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.