Rivers remain below flood levels despite snowmelt

Allegheny County Emergency Services officials are closely watching ice movement along the Yough.

By the MVI

Valley emergency providers and public safety officials are keeping a close watch on river levels as snow and ice continues to melt around the region.

Rivers around western Pennsylvania are experiencing a slow and steady melt, keeping water levels below flood stages as the region thaws. Current river forecasts show subtle rises, but no sites are approaching the action stage at this point.

The Ohio River at Pittsburgh is expected to hold steady around 17 feet through the start of the weekend. Action stage, which causes flooding at the Mon Wharf, is at 18 feet.

The Monongahela River at Charleroi is showing a more significant rise. The water level at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lock and Dam was around 10.5 feet as of Wednesday evening. Additional runoff from melted snow and upcoming heavy rain is forecast to push the level to shy of action stage by the start of the weekend.

Area rivers are showing more open water. Ice jamming may develop with freezing temperatures returning over the weekend. The National Weather Service is particularly monitoring the Allegheny River and its tributaries

Youghiogheny River ice update

In coordination with the National Weather Service Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Emergency Services is monitoring ice movement along the Youghiogheny River.

Reports indicate broken ice is flowing from Westmoreland County near Sutersville downstream toward Elizabeth Township and McKeesport, while much of the river upstream remains frozen. It’s unclear how the moving ice may behave or if a jam could form.

Local fire and emergency management agencies are monitoring conditions. No flooding is reported.

“Please stay off the river and away from the banks, and follow official updates,” according to a Facebook post issued by Allegheny County Emergency Services.