Flood of September 2004

n September 17-19, 2004, the Delaware Valley was inundated with rain from the remnants of Hurricane Ivan. Along with being lashed by violent thunderstorms and even a few weak spin-off tornadoes, valley residents and businesses also endured a deluge that averaged 5.24 inches of rain over eleven USGS gauges across the upper reaches of the river. Heavier local amounts were reported. Above-average rainfall during the preceding months resulted in moist soils, higher than average streamflows, and reservoirs near capacity. The resulting flood was considered major, and at the time, ranked as the fourth-highest crest ever recorded at Riegelsville, Pennsylvania.

This was the first flood in 50 years that seriously affected the canal. The hydrologic pressure of the river’s raging current burst the canal’s banks in several places. The resulting wild water tore out major pieces of infrastructure all along the canal’s run from Easton to Bristol. The banks themselves gave way, major portions of the newly-paved towpath were torn out and washed away, and several locks were damaged beyond repair. It was a sad time for canal lovers.

BEFORE South of Kintnersville at the Nockamixon Palisades, all was in order before the Hurricane Ivan flood. The Canal was filled with water, the towpath trail was smooth, and Mile Marker 46, erected by the Friends, was in place. Photo taken May 4, 2004.	AFTER After the floods, all that’s left is a lot of stone and the mile marker, a testament to the construction skills of the volunteer crew that installed it. Photo taken April 5, 2005.

See more photos from this flood.

More information about the Hurricane Ivan flood can be found at:

• United States Geological Survey (USGS) Event Summary
  
• Delware River Basin Commission (DRBC) Event Summary
  
• Frenchtowner.com
  
• Wikipedia – Storm History