U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Open-File Report 2006–1319

Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, 

New York

Prepared in cooperation with the

Federal Emergency Management Agency
Cover.	 Center photo: Neversink River flow over Guymard Turnpike at Myers Grove, New York. Left photo: Neversink River at

upstream side of Guymard Turnpike bridge at Myers Grove, New York. Right photo: Neversink River overflow at intersection of Guymard

Turnpike and Shore Drive at Myers Grove, New York, taken April 3, 2005.
Flood of April 2–3, 2005, 

Neversink River Basin, New York

By Thomas P. Suro and Gary D. Firda

Prepared in cooperation with the

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Open-File Report 2006–1319

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

DIRK KEMPTHORNE, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Mark D. Myers, Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2006

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Suggested citation:

Suro, T.P. and Firda, G.D., 2006, Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York: U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-File Report 2006–1319, 98 p.
iii

Contents

Abstract.......................................................................................................................................................... 1

Introduction.................................................................................................................................................... 1

Rainfall in the Neversink River Basin ........................................................................................................ 1

Flood of April 2–3, 2005 Discharge and Frequency ................................................................................. 3

Effects of Neversink Reservoir on Downstream Flooding ..................................................................... 8

Peak Water-Surface Elevations at Flood Study Sites........................................................................... 13

Flood Damage.............................................................................................................................................. 13

Summary....................................................................................................................................................... 21

Acknowledgments...................................................................................................................................... 21

Selected References.................................................................................................................................. 21

Appendix 1. Site Descriptions and High-Water Marks at Study Sites, Flood of 

April 2–3, 2005, in the Neversink River Basin, New York ............................................. 23

Appendix 2. Selected Photographs of Flood Damage During the Flood of April 2–3, 2005, 

in the Neversink River Basin and Surrounding Areas.................................................. 93

Figures

1. Map showing pertinent geographic features of southeastern New York and 

precipitation from the storm of April 2–3, 2005 ....................................................................... 2

2. Graph showing cumulative rainfall during April 2–3, 2005, recorded at the 

National Weather Service site at Claryville, N.Y.................................................................... 4

3. Map showing locations of selected U.S. Geological Survey stream-gaging 

stations in the Delaware River basin, N.Y. ............................................................................. 5

4–6. Graphs showing—

4. Discharge hydrographs for selected stream-gaging stations in the 

Neversink River basin, March 27 to April 6, 2005 .......................................................... 9

5. Peak discharges at selected stream-gaging stations in the Delaware River 

basin, N.Y., as a function of drainage area during the flood of April 2–3, 2005, 

and previous maximum known discharges.................................................................. 10

6. Hourly inflow, outflow, diversions, and water-surface elevation at the 

Neversink Reservoir, N.Y., March 27 to April 6, 2005.................................................. 11

7. Map showing locations of 25 high-water-mark sites chosen for study in the 

Neversink River basin, N.Y., during the flood of April 2–3, 2005 ........................................ 14

8. Graphs showing peak water-surface elevations at selected sites in the 

Neversink River basin, N.Y., during April 2–3, 2005, and flood-recurrence values 

from Federal Emergency Management Agency flood-insurance studies ....................... 18

9. Photograph showing Main Street bridge (U.S. Route 6) over the Neversink River 

at Port Jervis, N.Y., April 3, 2005.............................................................................................. 20
iv

Conversion Factors, Datum, and Acronyms

Multiply By To obtain

Length

inch (in.) 2.54 centimeter (cm)

foot (ft) 0.3048 meter (m)

mile (mi) 1.609 kilometer (km)

Area

acre 0.4047 hectare (ha)

acre 0.004047 square kilometer (km2)

square foot (ft2) 0.09290 square meter (m2)

square mile (mi2) 259.0 hectare (ha)

square mile (mi2) 2.590 square kilometer (km2) 

Volume

cubic foot (ft3) 0.02832 cubic meter (m3) 

acre-foot (acre-ft) 1,233 cubic meter (m3)

million gallons (Mgal) 3,785 cubic meter (m3)

Flow rate

acre-foot per day (acre-ft/d) 0.01427 cubic meter per second (m3/s)

cubic foot per second (ft3/s) 0.02832 cubic meter per second (m3/s)

cubic foot per second per square mile 

[(ft3/s)/mi2]

0.01093 cubic meter per second per square 

kilometer [(m3/s)/km2]

million gallons per day (Mgal/d) 0.04381 cubic meter per second (m3/s)

Temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) may be converted to degrees Fahrenheit (°F) as follows:

 °F=(1.8×°C)+32

Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (°F) may be converted to degrees Celsius (°C) as follows:

 °C=(°F-32)/1.8

Tables

1. Total rainfall from April 2–3, 2005, at selected locations in the Neversink River 

basin and surrounding areas..................................................................................................... 3

2. Rainfall-frequency relations for storms of 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-hour durations at 

Claryville, N.Y. .............................................................................................................................. 4

3. Historical flood peaks, and peak discharges during the flood of April 2–3, 2005, 

at selected U.S. Geological Survey stream-gaging stations in the Delaware River 

basin, N.Y. .................................................................................................................................... 6

4. Historical peak discharges, and discharges during the flood of April 2–3, 2005, 

at selected U.S. Geological Survey stream-gaging stations in the Neversink River 

basin, N.Y. .................................................................................................................................. 12

5. Peak water-surface elevations at 25 high-water-mark sites in the Neversink River 

basin, N.Y., during the flood of April 2–3, 2005, and corresponding water-surface 

elevations for 10-, 50-, 100-, and 500-year flood-recurrence intervals............................. 15
v

ACRONYMS USED IN REPORT

NWS National Weather Service

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

USGS U.S. Geological Survey

NGS National Geodetic Survey

Vertical coordinate information is referenced to National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 

(NGVD 29).

Horizontal coordinate information is referenced to the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83).
Abstract

Heavy rain on April 2–3, 2005 produced rainfall 

amounts of 3 inches to almost 6 inches within a 36-hour 

period throughout the Delaware River basin. Major flooding 

occurred in the East and West Branches of the Delaware River 

and their tributaries, the main stem of the Delaware River 

and the Neversink River, a major tributary to the Delaware 

River. The resultant flooding damaged hundreds of homes, 

caused millions of dollars in damage to infrastructure in 

Orange and Sullivan Counties, and forced more than 1,000 

residents to evacuate their homes. A total of 20 New York 

counties were declared Federal disaster areas. Some of the 

most extensive flooding occurred along the Neversink and 

Delaware Rivers in Orange and Sullivan Counties, New York. 

Disaster recovery assistance from the April 2005 flooding in 

New York stood at almost $35 million in 2005, at which time 

more than 3,400 New Yorkers had registered for Federal aid. 

All U.S. Geological Survey stream-gaging stations on the 

Neversink River below the Neversink Reservoir recorded peak 

water-surface elevations higher than those recorded during 

the September 2004 flooding. Peak water-surface elevations 

at some study sites on the Neversink River exceeded the 

500-year flood elevation as documented in flood-insurance 

studies by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Flood 

peaks at some long-term U.S. Geological Survey streamgaging stations were the highest ever recorded. Several U.S. 

Geological Survey stream-gaging stations on the Delaware 

River also recorded peak water-surface elevations that 

exceeded those recorded during the September 2004 flooding.

Introduction

Heavy rainfall amounts of 3 inches to almost 6 inches 

produced widespread flooding in the Neversink and Delaware 

River basins during April 2–3, 2005. The National Weather 

service (NWS) recorded rainfall amounts of 3.00 inches at 

Port Jervis, N.Y., 4.10 inches at Claryville, N.Y., and as much 

as 5.69 inches at East Jewett, N.Y. (National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration, 2005b). Officials in the town of 

Deer Park declared a state of emergency on April 3 as more 

than 1,000 residents were displaced due to the flooding. Mandatory evacuations were declared along the Neversink River, 

forcing residents to move to town shelters and motels until 

the flood waters receded. Officials estimated flood damage 

in Orange and Sullivan Counties at almost $60 million. More 

than 150 homes in Orange County were severely damaged 

as a result of this flooding and have been condemned. Subsequently, 20 counties (11 eligible for individual assistance) 

in New York were declared Federal disaster areas (Federal 

Emergency Management Agency, 2005).

This report documents the rainfall amounts and peak 

water-surface elevations in the Neversink River basin during 

April 2–3, 2005. Federal Emergency Management Agency 

(FEMA) personnel selected 25 study sites located along the 

Neversink River to be included in the study. Peak watersurface elevations were surveyed, described, and photographed 

by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) personnel. Descriptions 

and maps of individual sites are presented in appendix 1. Peak 

water-surface elevations at some study sites exceeded the 500-

year flood elevation as documented in flood-insurance studies 

by FEMA. Peak-of-record discharges were recorded at several 

USGS stream-gaging stations. The Neversink Reservoir was 

full and spilling at the beginning of the rainfall event on 

April 2, 2005, but still attenuated the peak flow to downstream 

communities.

Rainfall in the Neversink River Basin

Although total statewide precipitation for March 2005 

in New York was slightly below normal, the Hudson Valley, 

Eastern Plateau, and Coastal divisions of New York all 

reported above normal precipitation (National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration, 2005d). The storm system 

during April 2–3, 2005 moved up the Appalachians and 

through the Mid-Atlantic region into New York and New 

England and delivered heavy rain to southeastern New York 

(fig. 1). This system caused widespread rainfalls of more 

than 3 inches with some local areas reporting rainfall totals of 

more than 5 inches in a 36-hour period (National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration, 2005b).

This early April event followed the 1 to 2 inches of 

rain from the previous storm system on March 28–29 

(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2005a); 

this system left rivers and streams flowing at above base 

levels. On April 1 the daily mean flow at the USGS streamgaging station Neversink River at Claryville, N.Y., was at 

Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York

By Thomas P. Suro and Gary D. Firda
Figure 1. Pertinent geographic features of southeastern New York and rainfall amounts from the storm of 

April 2–3, 2005. Site numbers are listed in table 1.

   Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York

0 5 10 20 MILES

0 5 10 20 KILOMETERS

EXPLANATION

NEVERSINK RIVER BASIN

RAINFALL AMOUNT, IN INCHES AND, SITE NUMBER

LINE OF EQUAL RAINFALL, IN INCHES

NEW JERSEY

PENNSYLVANIA New York

City

NEW YORK Area shown

2.65

NEW YORK

NEW JERSEY

ULSTER

DELAWARE

PIKE

OTSEGO

WAYNE

SULLIVAN

ORANGE

GREENE

MONROE SUSSEX

ALBANY

SCHOHARIE

DUTCHESS

PASSAIC

ROCKLAND

PUTNAM COLUMBIA

3.00

4.00

4.60

3.50

1.90

2.40

4.10

3.85 4.24 3.88

1.84

1.96

2.01

2.09

2.12

2.25 2.25

2.33 2.58

2.62

2.65

2.66

2.73

2.81

2.95

2.96

2.97

3.35

3.36

3.37

3.45

3.46

3.51

3.65

3.69

3.74

3.74

3.79

4.83

5.69

WESTCHESTER

1.80

Claryville

3.80

3.36

2

3

3

3

4

4

5

4

2

4

PENNSYLVANIA

NEW JERSEY

2

Neversink River

Delaware River

East Jewett

Port Jervis

Slide

Mountain

Neversink

Reservoir

42°

30'

41°

30'

42°

75° 74°

(40)

(18)

(41)

(10)

(34) (13)

(32)

(5) (26)

(19)

(2)

(24)

(1)

(21)

(39)

(38)

(25)

(42)

(29)

(35)

(9)

(11)

(14)

(33)

(15)

(36)

(30)

(27)

(31)

(37)

(4)

(3)

(16)

(17)

(23)

(20)

(22)

(7)

(8)

(12)

(28) (6)

(43)

(43)
a level that is exceeded only 20 percent of the time or less. 

The maximum recorded rainfall during April 2–3, 2005 in 

the Neversink River basin was 4.10 inches at Claryville, N.Y. 

Total rainfall amounts recorded at 43 selected locations in 

New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are listed in table 1.

Rainfall amounts and frequencies for Claryville, N.Y. 

(fig. 1), which is located near the headwaters of the main stem 

of the Neversink River, are listed in table 2.

The rainfall intensity during the April 2–3, 2005 storm 

was not very high in the Neversink River basin, with only a 

2-year recurrence interval for a 24-hour storm at Claryville. 

Generally, the rainfall frequencies for selected locations in 

the Neversink River basin were less than 5 years. Most of 

the rainfall at Claryville was recorded between 4:00 a.m. and 

midnight on Saturday April 2, 2005 (National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration, 2005c). A plot of cumulative 

rainfall at the NWS site at Claryville, N.Y. (fig. 2) indicates a 

fairly uniform rainfall from the early morning of April 2 until 

about 4:00 p.m. when rainfall rates increased and remained at 

higher levels until about 10:00 p.m. The data also indicate that 

a continued uniform rainfall until about 4:00 p.m. on April 3 

concluded the 36-hour rainfall event (National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration, 2005c).

Although rainfall intensity did not approach record 

rates, 3 or more inches of rain falling on snow-covered terrain 

combined with daytime temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit 

or greater at several locations in the Neversink River basin 

produced significant runoff. The NWS observations at Slide 

Mountain, N.Y. (located near the headwaters of the West 

Branch of the Neversink River) reported about 41 inches 

of snow in March, the deepest snow reported in New York 

during the month (National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 2005d). Before the rainfall event in late 

March, there was about 22 inches of snow at Slide Mountain. 

On April 1 the reported snow depth was 12 inches, and by 

April 3 only 4 inches of snow was reported. The 7-day runoff 

for the period prior to April 4 was determined to be more than 

7.2 inches at the stream-gaging station Neversink River near 

Claryville, N.Y.

Flood of April 2–3, 2005 Discharge and 

Frequency

The locations of 26 USGS stream-gaging stations in 

the Delaware River basin cited in this report are presented 

in figure 3. Historic flood peaks and peak discharges for the 

flood of April 2–3, 2005, at these stations are presented in 

table 3.

Peak discharges were recorded during the evening of 

Saturday, April 2, 2005, at the USGS stream-gaging stations 

located upstream from the Neversink Reservoir on the East 

and West Branches of the Neversink River. Peak discharges 

were recorded between the early morning hours and noon on 

Sunday, April 3, 2005, at the stream-gaging stations located 

downstream from the Neversink Reservoir.

Table 1. Total rainfall from April 2–3, 2005, at selected 

locations in the Neversink River basin and surrounding areas.

[Data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

(2005b) and New York City Department of Environmental Protection 

(written commun., 2005); selected data shown in fig. 1]

Site number Site name Total rainfall

(inches)

1 East Jewett, N.Y. 5.69

2 Slide Mountain, N.Y. 4.83

3 Highland Lakes, N.J. 4.60

4 Canistear Reservoir, N.J. 4.24

5 Claryville, N.Y. 4.10

6 Greentown, Pa. 4.00

7 West Milford, N.J. 3.88

8 Hewitt, N.J. 3.85

9 Milanville, Pa. 3.79

10 Mohonk Lake, N.Y. 3.80

11 North Branch, N.Y. 3.74

12 Gouldsboro, Pa. 3.74

13 Liberty, N.Y. 3.69

14 Long Eddy, N.Y. 3.65

15 Fishs Eddy, N.Y. 3.51

16 Montague, N.J. 3.50

17 Matamoras, Pa. 3.46

18 Monticello, N.Y. 3.45

19 Ashokan Reservoir, N.Y. 3.37

20 West Point, N.Y. 3.36

21 Windham, N.Y. 3.36

22 Middletown, N.Y. 3.35

23 Port Jervis, N.Y. 3.00

24 Cairo, N.Y. 2.97

25 Schoharie Reservoir, N.Y. 2.96

26 Rondout Reservoir, N.Y. 2.95

27 Cannonsville Reservoir, N.Y. 2.81

28 Sterling Township, Pa. 2.73

29 Delhi, N.Y. 2.66

30 Walton, N.Y. 2.65

31 Deposit, N.Y. 2.62

32 Neversink Reservoir, N.Y. 2.58

33 Lordville, N.Y. 2.40

34 Rosendale, N.Y. 2.33

35 Davenport, N.Y. 2.25

36 West Davenport, N.Y. 2.25

37 Masonville, N.Y. 2.12

38 Roxbury, N.Y. 2.09

39 Margaretville, N.Y. 2.01

40 Unadilla, N.Y. 1.96

41 Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 1.90

42 Lansing Manor, N.Y. 1.84

43 Rhinebeck, N.Y. 1.80

Flood of April 2–3, 2005 Discharge and Frequency   
Table 2. Rainfall-frequency relations for storms of 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-hour durations at Claryville, N.Y. 

[Data from U.S. Weather Bureau, 1961. Location is shown in fig. 1]

Recurrence interval 

(years)

Rainfall, in inches for selected duration

3 hours 6 hours 12 hours 24 hours

2 1.9 2.5 3.3 3.5

5 2.5 3.0 4.0 4.6

10 2.9 3.9 4.6 5.8

25 3.4 4.3 5.5 6.5

50 3.9 5.0 6.0 7.0

100 4.1 5.5 6.8 8.0

Figure 2. Cumulative rainfall during April 2–3, 2005, recorded at the National Weather Service site at Claryville, N.Y.

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

4.5

4/2/2005 4/3/2005

ENDING HOUR

CUMULATIVE RAINFALL, IN INCHES

4 5 6 8 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

   Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
Figure 3. Locations of selected U.S. Geological Survey stream-gaging stations in the Delaware River basin, N.Y. (See table 3 for 

station names and flood-related data.)

01421900

01422500

01423000

0142400103

01425000

01426000

01426500

01420980

01417500

01420500

01427510

01428500

01434000

01437500

01436690

01436000

01435000

01434498 01434017

01434025

0143400680

01434000

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 KILOMETERS

0 5 10 15 20 25 MILES Map created with TOPO!®

©2003 National Geographic (www.nationalgeographic.com/topo)

75°28’ 75°14’ 75°06’ 74°55’ 74°45’ 74°34’ 74°15’

42°

16’

42°

07’

41°

58’

41°

31’

41°

40’

41°

49’

EXPLANATION

STREAMFLOW-GAGING STATION

NEW JERSEY

PENNSYLVANIA New York

City

NEW YORK Area shown

Flood of April 2–3, 2005 Discharge and Frequency   
Table 3. Historical flood peaks, and peak discharges during the flood of April 2–3, 2005, at selected U.S. Geological Survey stream-gaging stations in the Delaware River basin, 

N.Y. —Continued[mi2, square miles; ft, feet; ft3/s, cubic feet per second; [(ft3/s)/mi2], cubic feet per second per square mile; --, no data available; >, greater than; <, less than. Recurrence intervals equal to and above 25 years include the April 2005 flood discharge in the statistical analysis.]

USGS 

station 

number

 Station name 

Drainage 

area 

(mi2)

Period of record

Previous maximum of record Flood of April 2–3, 2005

Date of 

peak

Peak 

stage 

(ft)

Peak 

discharge 

(ft3/s)

Date of 

peak

Time 

of 

peak 

(hr)

Peak 

stage 

(ft)

Peak 

discharge 

(ft3/s)

Peak 

discharge 

(ft3/s/

mi2)

Recurrence 

interval 

(years)

01413500 East Branch Delaware River 

at Margaretville 

163.00 1937–2005 01/19/96 14.88 25,800 04/03/05 0030 12.84 14,700 90.2 15

01414000 Platte Kill at Dunraven 34.90 1941–62, 1996–2005 01/19/96 9.60 5,690 04/02/05 2200 7.58 3,300 94.6 1001414500 Mill Brook near Dunraven 25.20 1937–2005 01/19/96 12.56 5,380 04/02/05 2115 9.67 2,630 104.4 7

01415000 Tremper Kill near Andes 33.20 1937–2005 01/19/96 7.69 5,000 04/02/05 2100 6.10 2,530 76.2 801417000 East Branch Delaware River 

at Downsville *

372.00 a 1955–2005 09/18/04 12.09 a 18,000 04/03/05 0545 11.90 17,400 46.8 70

01417500 East Branch Delaware River 

at Harvard *

458.00 a 1955–2005 09/18/04 16.07 a 20,600 04/03/05 -- b 16.37 21,400 46.7 60

01420500 Beaver Kill at Cooks Falls 241.00 1913–2005 01/19/96 17.79 42,900 04/03/05 -- b 18.97 50,700 210.4 >100 & <50001421000 East Branch Delaware River 

at Fishs Eddy *

766.00 a 1955–2005 09/18/04 c 21.40 a 56,300 04/03/05 -- 19.47 65,100 85.0 >100 & <500

01421900 West Branch Delaware River 

upstream from Delhi 

134.00 1937–70, 1996–2005 01/19/96 c 9.80 d 13,000 04/03/05 0545 10.26 5,730 42.8 5

01422500 Little Delaware River near Delhi 49.80 1937–70, 1996–2005 01/19/96 8.51 6,100 04/03/05 0045 6.20 2,600 52.2 4

01423000 West Branch Delaware River 

at Walton 

332.00 1950–2005 01/19/96 16.36 25,000 04/03/05 0400 14.45 18,400 55.4 15

0142400103 Trout Creek near Trout Creek 20.20 1952–67, 1996–2005 01/19/96 7.24 2,800 04/02/05 2015 5.85 1,710 84.7 1001425000 West Branch Delaware River 

at Stilesville *

456.00 a 1964–2005 03/16/86 13.07 a 14,300 04/03/05 1745 13.22 14,800 32.5 25

01426000 Oquaga Creek at Deposit 67.60 1941–73, 2004–05 07/04/70 c 8.98 7,170 04/03/05 -- b 8.50 6,910 102.2 40

01426500 West Branch Delaware River 

at Hale Eddy *

595.00 a 1964–2005 03/15/86 13.63 a 18,700 04/03/05 0330 14.12 21,500 36.1 45

01427510 Delaware River at Callicoon * 1,820.00 1975–2005 09/18/04 17.33 107,000 04/03/05 0800 17.97 114,000 62.6 70

   Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
Flood of April 2–3, 2005 Discharge and Frequency 



Table 3. Historical flood peaks, and peak discharges during the flood of April 2–3, 2005, at selected U.S. Geological Survey stream-gaging stations in the Delaware River basin, N.Y. —Continued[mi2, square miles; ft, feet; ft3/s, cubic feet per second; [(ft3/s)/mi2], cubic feet per second per square mile; --, no data available; >, greater than; <, less than. Recurrence intervals equal to and above 25 years include the April 2005 flood discharge in the statistical analysis.]

USGS 

station 

number

 Station name 

Drainage 

area 

(mi2)

Period of record

Previous maximum of record Flood of April 2–3, 2005

Date of 

peak

Peak 

stage 

(ft)

Peak 

discharge 

(ft3/s)

Date of 

peak

Time 

of 

peak 

(hr)

Peak 

stage 

(ft)

Peak 

discharge 

(ft3/s)

Peak 

discharge 

(ft3/s/

mi2)

Recurrence 

interval 

(years)

01428500 Delaware River above Lackawaxen 

River near Barryville *

2,020.00 a 1964–2005 09/18/04 24.09 a 112,000 04/03/05 1000 24.80 118,000 58.4 60

01434000 Delaware River at Port Jervis * 3,070.00 a 1964–2005 09/18/04 19.52 a 151,000 04/03/05 1215 20.52 166,000 54.1 70

0143400680 East Branch Neversink River 

northeast of Denning 

8.93 1991–2005 09/16/99 6.96 3,070 04/02/05 2115 6.85 2,920 327.0 20

01434017 East Branch Neversink River near 

Claryville 

22.90 1991–2005 01/19/96 11.25 3,240 04/02/05 2215 12.33 4,590 200.4 25

01434025 Biscuit Brook above Pigeon Brook 

at Frost Valley 

3.72 1983–2005 04/04/87 4.37 815 04/02/05 -- b 4.18 686 184.4 15

01434498 West Branch Neversink River at 

Claryville 

33.80 1992–2005 12/17/00 12.38 9,500 04/02/05 2200 12.73 9,570 283.1 10

01435000 Neversink River near Claryville 66.60 1937–2005 11/25/50 b 15.00 23,400 04/02/05 2100 13.87 16,600 249.2 25

01436000 Neversink River at Neversink * 92.60 a 1954–2005 06/23/72 8.20 a 6,130 04/03/05 0030 12.99 12,300 132.8 90

01436690 Neversink River at Bridgeville * 171.00 1992–2005 09/16/99 13.22 7,370 04/03/05 0600 21.24 25,900 151.5 >100 & <50001437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy * 307.00 a 1954–2005 08/19/55 12.49 a 33,000 04/03/05 -- 12.40 32,500 105.9 >100 & <500

* Pink denotes sites with significant regulation. Recurrence intervals at these sites were calculated from statistical analyses of annual peak discharges during the regulated period. No adjustments were made 

for the amount of available storage in the reservoirs before or during floods, nor for changes in regulation procedures during the period of regulation. Other studies, such as flood-insurance studies, and other procedures, can be investigated for alternative methods of calculating discharge recurrence intervals at these sites.

a Since current degree of regulation.b From floodmarks.c At former site.d About.
Frequency analysis of annual flood-peak data recorded 

at stream-gaging stations provides a means of estimating the 

probability of occurrence of a given discharge. Flood frequency is commonly expressed in terms of recurrence interval 

or the probability of being exceeded (one is the reciprocal of 

the other). The 100-year flood, for example, has a probability 

of 0.01 (1 percent chance) of being equaled or exceeded in 

any given year. Recurrence intervals for stream-gaging stations listed in this report were calculated by fitting systematic 

annual peak-discharge data to a log-Pearson type III distribution (Interagency Advisory Committee on Water Data, 1982). 

Recurrence intervals at stream-gaging stations with significant 

regulation were calculated from statistical analyses of annual 

peak discharges during the regulated period only. No adjustments were made for the amount of available storage in the 

reservoirs before or during floods, or for changes in regulation 

procedures during the period of regulation.

Recurrence intervals at USGS stream-gaging stations 

with unregulated streamflows (stations upstream from 

Neversink Reservoir) ranged from 10 to 25 years, whereas 

recurrence intervals at USGS stream-gaging stations with 

regulated streamflows (stations downstream from Neversink 

Reservoir) ranged from 90 years to greater than 100 years.

The Neversink River at Neversink, N.Y., stream-gaging 

station recorded a new period-of-record (since regulation, 

1954) maximum of 12,300 ft3/s. The peak discharge at the 

Neversink River at Godeffroy, N.Y., stream-gaging station, 

which has been in operation since 1937, was about 1.5 percent 

less than the period of record maximum of 33,000 ft3/s set in 

August of 1955.

Discharge hydrographs at four USGS stream-gaging 

stations (one upstream from the Neversink Reservoir and three 

downstream from the Neversink Reservoir) in the Neversink 

River basin for the period March 27 to April 6, 2005, are 

presented in figure 4.

Peak streamflow at other stations on unregulated reaches 

in the Delaware River basin generally remained below a 

40-year recurrence interval except at Beaver Kill at Cooks 

Falls, N.Y., where the peak had a recurrence interval of greater 

than 100 years. Peak discharges at selected sites in the 

Neversink River basin are plotted as a function of drainage 

area in figure 5 as well as previous peak-of-record discharges 

at stations with regulated and unregulated streamflows.

Effects of Neversink Reservoir on 

Downstream Flooding

The Neversink Reservoir began storage operations on 

June 2, 1953, and reached full storage capacity for the first 

time in April 1955. The usable capacity of the reservoir 

between the minimum operating level of 1,319.0 ft above 

NGVD 29 and crest of the spillway, elevation 1,440.0 ft above 

NGVD 29, is 34,931 Mgal. Dead storage below diversion 

sill and outlet sill (elevation 1,314.0 ft) is 1,680 Mgal. The 

contents of the Neversink Reservoir were at 100.1 percent of 

usable capacity on April 1, 2005. The reservoir water-surface 

elevation was 1,440.66 ft relative to NGVD 29 (0.66 ft above 

the spillway elevation of 1,440.0 ft) on April 1 (fig. 6). The 

Neversink Reservoir reached a new record maximum watersurface elevation since operations began in 1953 of 1,443.66 ft 

on April 3, 2005.

The USGS stream-gaging station Neversink River near 

Claryville, N.Y., recorded a peak discharge of 16,600 ft3/s at 

9:00 p.m. on April 2. The drainage area above this streamgaging station is about 72 percent of the total contributing area 

to the Neversink Reservoir. The peak discharge recorded at 

this station per unit of contributing drainage area yields a peak 

runoff of 249 ft3/s/mi2. Applying this peak runoff to the entire 

Neversink Reservoir drainage yields an estimated maximum 

inflow of 23,100 ft3/s to the reservoir on April 2, 2005.

Hydrographs of hourly inflow and outflow, diversions 

to New York City’s water-supply system, and water-surface 

elevations for Neversink Reservoir for the period March 27 

to April 6 are presented in figure 6. Reservoir elevations are 

referenced to NGVD of 1929. The maximum computed daily 

mean inflow to Neversink Reservoir was estimated as 

6,440 ft3/s.

On the basis of recorded data from the USGS Neversink 

River at Neversink, N.Y., stream-gaging station, the combined 

flow through the release valves and over the spillway produced 

a daily discharge of 6,910 ft3/s on April 3. The USGS 

Neversink River at Neversink, N.Y., stream-gaging station 

recorded a peak discharge of 12,300 ft3/s on April 3. Although 

the Neversink Reservoir was at full capacity and spilling 

before the storm, the reservoir still attenuated the flood peak.

Historical peak discharges and discharges for the 

April 2–3, 2005, flood at stations on the Neversink River 

before and after regulation are presented in table 4. These peak 

discharges indicate that during the floods of 1955 and 1996, 

the existence of the reservoir and the fact that its contents were 

average (several feet below the spillway) significantly reduced 

the effects of flooding on downstream communities.

The peak discharge at the Neversink River near 

Claryville stream-gaging station (inflow to reservoir) during 

the August 1955 flood was 9,350 ft3/s. The reservoir was at 

about 89 percent of usable capacity at the end of July 1955, 

and all of the inflow was stored without spilling during the 

August 1955 flood. During the 1996 flood, the peak discharge 

at the Neversink River near Claryville stream-gaging station 

was 12,700 ft3/s, but the Neversink Reservoir was at about 

60 percent of capacity prior to the flood at the end of 

December due to drought conditions (Lumia, 1998) and 

again was able to store all of the runoff from the contributing 

drainage area without spilling. The peak discharges recorded 

at the Neversink River at Godeffroy, N.Y., stream-gaging 

station during the August 1955, January 1996, and April 

2005 floods were 33,000 ft3/s, 8,220 ft3/s and 32,500 ft3/s, 

respectively (table 4).

 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
Figure 4. Discharge hydrographs for selected stream-gaging stations in the Neversink River basin, March 27 to April 6, 2005. (Locations shown in fig. 3.)

27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6

March 2005 April 2005

50

20

10

500200100

5,0002,0001,000

50,00020,00010,000

100,000

0H 12H 0H 12H 0H 12H 0H 12H 0H 12H 0H 12H 0H 12H 0H 12H 0H 12H 0H 12H 0H 12H

01435000 NEVERSINK RIVER NEAR CLARYVILLE NY (UNREGULATED STREAMFLOW)

01436000 NEVERSINK RIVER AT NEVERSINK NY (REGULATED STREAMFLOW)

01436690 NEVERSINK RIVER AT BRIDGEVILLE NY (REGULATED STREAMFLOW)

01437500 NEVERSINK RIVER AT GODEFFROY NY (REGULATED STREAMFLOW)

DISCHARGE, IN CUBIC FEET PER SECOND

0H

Effects of Neversink Reservoir on Downstream Flooding 
Figure 5. Peak discharges at selected stream-gaging stations in the Delaware River basin, N.Y., as a function of drainage area during the flood of April 2–3, 2005, and previous 

maximum known discharges.

100

1,000

10,000

100,000

1,000,000

1.0 10.0 100.0 1,000.0 10,000.0

DRAINAGE AREA, IN SQUARE MILES

DNOCESREPTEEFCIBUCNI,EGRAHCSIDKAEP

Flood of April 2-3, 2005 -- unregulated streamflowFlood of April 2-3, 2005 -- regulated streamflowPrevious maximum -- unregulated streamflowPrevious maximum since regulation

10 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
Figure 6. Hourly inflow, outflow, diversions, and water-surface elevation at the Neversink Reservoir, N.Y., March 27 to April 6, 2005.

0

5,000

25,00020,00015,00010,000

3/27/2005 3/29/2005 3/31/2005 4/2/2005 4/4/2005 4/6/2005

DATE

HOURLY DISCHARGE, IN CUBIC FEET PER SECOND 

1,4451,4441,4431,4421,4411,4401,439

WATER SURFACE ELEVATION, IN FEET ABOVE NGVD 29 

Inflow

Outflow

Diversions

Elevation

Spillway crest

elevation = 1,440.0 feet

Effects of Neversink Reservoir on Downstream Flooding 11
Table 4. Historical peak discharges, and discharges during the flood of April 2–3, 2005, at selected U.S. Geological Survey stream-gaging stations in the Neversink River 

basin, N.Y.[mi2, square miles; ft3/s, cubic feet per second; --, no data available]

USGS 

station 

number

 Station name 

Drainage 

area 

(mi2

)

a

Period of record

Peak discharges for historical floods and flood of April 2–3, 2005

Peak 

discharge 

flood of 

Nov. 1950 

(ft3/s)

Peak 

discharge 

flood of 

July 1952 

(ft3/s)

Peak 

discharge 

flood of 

Aug. 1955 

(ft3/s)

Peak 

discharge 

flood of 

June 1972 

(ft3/s)

Peak 

discharge 

flood of 

Jan. 1996 

(ft3/s)

Peak 

discharge 

flood of 

Sept. 1999

(ft3/s)

Peak 

discharge 

flood of 

Sept. 2004 

(ft3/s)

Peak 

discharge 

flood of 

April 2005 

(ft3/s)

01435000 Neversink River near Claryville 66.60 1937–2005 b 23,400 b 10,200 9,350 6,680 12,700 8,830 6,960 16,60001436000 Neversink River at Neversink 92.60 1941–2005 b 22,300 b 10,600 20 6,130 30 51 4,020 12,30001436500 Neversink River at Woodbourne 113.00 1938–73; 1978–93 b 22,000 b 15,000 4,650 6,220 -- -- -- --01436690 Neversink River at Bridgeville 171.00 1992–2005 -- -- -- -- 5,420 7,371 6,440 25,90001437000 Neversink River at Oakland Valley 223.00 1928–1973 b 23,300 b 14,000 23,800 8,260 -- -- -- --01437500 Neversink River at Godeffroy 307.00 1937–2005 b 24,500 b 14,500 33,000 8,620 8,220 9,150 6,870 32,500

a Drainage areas based on most recent location of station.b Prior to construction of Neversink Reservoir.

12 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
of high-water-mark elevations with FEMA flood-insurance 

studies from the area of Bridgeville (site 8) to the area of 

Interstate Route 84 at Port Jervis (site 25) indicated that peak 

water-surface elevations ranged from between the 10- and 50-

year flood profiles to higher than the 500-year flood profiles 

(fig. 8; table 5). Peak water-surface elevations in the area of 

Bridgeville (sites 8–10) generally ranged between the 10- and 

50-year flood profiles. Peak water-surface elevations from the 

area of Oakland Valley (site 12) to the area of Huguenot 

(site 19) generally were higher than the 500-year flood profile. 

Peak water-surface elevations from the area of Hamilton Street 

at Port Jervis (site 20) to the area of Interstate Route 84 at 

Port Jervis (site 25) generally ranged between the 100- and 

500-year flood profiles or ranged between the 50- and 100-

year flood profiles, depending upon which flood-insurance 

study is used for comparison. All flood-profile recurrence 

intervals noted above are based on published FEMA floodinsurance studies.

Flood Damage

A state of emergency was declared by officials in 

several towns in Orange County between April 2 and 

April 3, 2005. Hundreds of residents of the city of Port Jervis 

were evacuated, and more than 1,000 residents of the town 

of Deer Park were displaced by floodwaters (Times HeraldRecord, 2005a). In Deer Park and Port Jervis, floodwaters 

from the Neversink River caused extensive property damage, 

flooded the high-school bus garage, and encroached upon the 

rear entrance of Bon Secours Community Hospital.

Floodwaters also damaged the Anna Kuhl Elementary 

School in Cuddebackville (The River Reporter, 2005). In 

addition, more than 150 homes in Orange County were 

condemned because of flood damage and two bodies were 

recovered and are presumed to be victims of the flooding 

(The Times Union, 2005). Orange and Sullivan Counties 

were among the counties declared as Federal disaster areas. 

More than 3,400 New York residents, business owners, and 

government agencies have applied for disaster-recovery 

assistance. Assistance to the victims of the April flooding in 

New York has reached almost $35 million (Federal Emergency 

Management Agency, 2005). Some selected photographs of 

flood damage to the hardest hit areas of Myers Grove and Port 

Jervis, N.Y., are included in appendix 2.

Peak Water-Surface Elevations at 

Flood Study Sites

Measurements of peak water-surface elevations were 

made at 25 sites along the Neversink River immediately 

downstream from Neversink Reservoir near the town of 

Neversink to the confluence of the Delaware and Neversink 

Rivers at Port Jervis, N.Y. (fig. 7). High-water marks at each 

site were surveyed to obtain peak water-surface elevations and 

were referenced to NGVD 29. A data correction to convert 

elevations from NGVD 29 to North American Vertical Datum 

of 1988 (NAVD 88) at each site was calculated by using the 

National Geodetic Survey (NGS) North American Vertical 

Datum Conversion Utility (National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 2005g). At sites associated with a bridge, 

high-water-marks were obtained upstream and downstream of 

the structure. At most selected sites associated with bridges, 

thalweg elevations also were determined.

The accuracy of high-water marks was rated subjectively 

by field personnel as “excellent,” “good,” “fair,” or “poor,” 

according to guidelines of Benson and Dalrymple (1967). 

“Excellent” means the reported high-water mark is considered 

within 0.02 ft of the true high-water elevation; “good” within 

0.05 ft; “fair” within 0.10 ft; and “poor” implies less than 

“fair” accuracy. High-water-mark description, photographs, 

location (latitude and longitude) and location with respect to 

a nearby bridge or other structure were documented and are 

presented in appendix 1. High-water-mark locations described 

as “left bank” or “right bank” are in relation to an observer 

facing downstream.

Peak water-surface elevations for the April 2005 flood 

were compared with flood-profile elevations published 

in FEMA flood-insurance studies (Federal Emergency 

Management Agency; 1991, 1999, 2002). High-water-mark 

elevations and published FEMA 10-, 50-, 100-, and 500-year 

flood elevations are compiled in table 5. Flood elevations at 

10-, 50-, 100-, and 500-year recurrence intervals and those 

determined for the flood of April 2–3, 2005, for the Neversink 

River are plotted in figure 8.

FEMA flood-insurance studies are not available for 

the area immediately downstream of Neversink Reservoir 

(site 1) to the area of Thompsonville (site 7), and in the 

vicinity of site 11; therefore, a comparison of high-water 

mark elevations could not be made at these sites. Comparison 

Flood Damage 13
Figure 7. Locations of 25 high-water-mark sites chosen for study in the Neversink River basin, N.Y., during the flood of 

April 2–3, 2005. Site numbers are listed in table 5.

EXPLANATION

High-water-mark site chosen for the Neversink River basin,

New York, flood of April 2-3, 2005

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 KILOMETERS

Map created with TOPO!® 0 5 10 15 20 25 MILES

©2003 National Geographic

(www.nationalgeographic.com/topo)

74°51' 74°41' 74°31' 74°12'

41°

26'

41°

35'

41°

44'

41°

53'

21

NEW JERSEY

PENNSYLVANIA New York

City

NEW YORK Area shown

Neversink

 Res.

14 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
Table 5. Peak water-surface elevations at 25 high-water-mark sites in the Neversink River basin, N.Y., during the flood of April 2–3, 2005, and corresponding flood elevations 

for 10-, 50-, 100-, and 500-year flood-recurrence intervals.—Continued[Recurrence-interval elevations are from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA, 1991, 1999, 2002). --, no data available. Locations are shown in figure 7. Site descriptions are given in the appendix; elevations in green are from FEMA, 2002]

Site 

number

Selected 

high-water 

mark

Site name

Peak flood 

elevation, in 

feet above 

NGVD 29, 

April 2–3, 2005

FEMA flood elevations, in feet above NGVD 29

10-year flood 50-year flood 100-year flood 500-year flood

1 1.6 Neversink River at USGS stream-gaging station 01436000 at Neversink 1,270.67 -- -- -- --

1.2 1,268.70 -- -- -- --

2 2.2 Neversink River at BWS Road near Neversink a 1,262.30 -- -- -- --

2.5 b 1,261.53 -- -- -- --

3 3.1 Neversink River at Hasbrouck A Road at Hasbrouck a 1,219.07 -- -- -- --

3.4 b 1,217.75 -- -- -- --

4 4.2 Neversink River at State Routes 42 and 52 at Woodbourne a 1,182.00 -- -- -- --

4.3 b 1,181.48 -- -- -- --

5 5.5 Neversink River at USGS stream-gaging station 01436500 at Woodbourne 1,179.24 -- -- -- --

5.6 1,178.83 -- -- -- --

6 6.1 Neversink River at County Route 53 at Fallsburg a 1,155.93 -- -- -- --

6.3 b 1,149.23 -- -- -- --

7 7.4 Neversink River at Ranch Hill Road near Thompsonville a 1,095.94 -- -- -- --

7.6 b 1,094.12 -- -- -- --

8 8.1 Neversink River at USGS stream-gaging station 01436690 at Bridgeville 1,077.31 1,075.5 1,080.7 1,083.3 1,087.99 9.5 Neversink River at State Route 17 at Bridgeville a 1,076.60 1,074.8 1,079.7 1,082.3 1,086.8

9.3 b 1,075.90 1,074.3 1,079.2 1,081.7 1,086.2

10 10.1 Neversink River at County Route 173 at Bridgeville a 1,075.60 1,073.7 1,078.5 1,081.0 1,085.8

10.3 b 1,074.83 1,073.3 1,076.9 1,078.7 1,082.7

11 11.1 Neversink River at County Route 49 at Oakland Valley a 675.63 -- -- -- --

11.4 b 674.29 -- -- -- --

12 12.10 Neversink River at Paradise Road at Oakland Valley a 647.00 641.5 644.6 646.0 649.4

12.3 b 645.50 639.6 641.8 643.0 644.9

Flood Damage 15
Table 5. Peak water-surface elevations at 25 high-water-mark sites in the Neversink River basin, N.Y., during the flood of April 2–3, 2005, and corresponding flood elevations 

for 10-, 50-, 100-, and 500-year flood-recurrence intervals.—Continued[Recurrence-interval elevations are from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA, 1991, 1999, 2002). --, no data available. Locations are shown in figure 7. Site descriptions are given in the appendix; elevations in green are from FEMA, 2002]

Site 

number

Selected 

high-water 

mark

Site name

Peak flood 

elevation, in 

feet above 

NGVD 29, 

April 2–3, 2005

FEMA flood elevations, in feet above NGVD 29

10-year flood 50-year flood 100-year flood 500-year flood

13 13.8 Neversink River at U.S. Route 209 at Cuddebackville a 499.78 495.1 497.7 498.8 501.7

13.4 a 499.64 495.0 497.6 498.7 501.613.1 b 498.44 494.1 496.3 497.0 497.5

13.6 b 497.93 493.8 496.0 496.7 497.4

14 14.3 Neversink River at Avenue E and Grove Street at Myers Grove 479.64 475.5 477.4 478.0 479.0

14.2 478.72 474.4 476.4 477.1 478.2

14.1 477.74 474.1 476.1 476.9 478.0

15 15.3 Neversink River at Shore Drive at Myers Grove 476.31 472.0 473.9 474.7 476.0

15.2 475.27 470.6 472.4 473.1 474.515.1 473.78 469.8 471.1 471.8 472.8

16 16.25 Neversink River at Guymard Turnpike at Myers Grove a 473.98 469.9 471.3 472.0 473.0

16.3 a 473.35 469.4 470.6 471.1 472.0

16.6 a 472.81 469.4 470.6 471.1 472.016.7 a 472.37 468.9 470.1 470.6 471.7

16.8 a 472.17 468.6 469.9 470.4 471.6

16.12 a 469.61 468.0 469.4 469.9 471.216.14 a 471.27 467.8 469.2 469.8 471.1

16.31 b 472.14 466.4 468.0 468.7 470.216.28 b 472.00 466.3 468.0 468.6 470.1

16.17 b 467.50 466.2 467.9 468.5 470.0

17 17.1 Neversink River at American Family Campground at Godeffroy 470.55 465.9 467.6 468.2 469.8

17.3 469.43 465.5 467.0 467.7 469.1

17.2 471.22 465.2 466.7 467.4 468.8

17.4 468.90 465.1 466.6 467.3 468.7

18 18.3 Neversink River at County Route 80 (Neversink Drive) at Huguenot a 446.55 436.9 440.1 441.4 444.5

18.4 b 445.05 436.8 440.0 441.3 444.4

19 19.3 Neversink River at Riverdale Road at Huguenot 441.56 432.6 435.8 437.1 440.8

19.1 441.59 431.7 435.5 436.7 440.319.2 441.43 431.6 435.3 436.5 439.6

16 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
Flood Damage 

17

Table 5. Peak water-surface elevations at 25 high-water-mark sites in the Neversink River basin, N.Y., during the flood of April 2–3, 2005, and corresponding flood elevations for 10-, 50-, 100-, and 500-year flood-recurrence intervals.—Continued[Recurrence-interval elevations are from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA, 1991, 1999, 2002). --, no data available. Locations are shown in figure 7. Site descriptions are given in the appendix; elevations in green are from FEMA, 2002]

Site 

number

Selected 

high-water 

mark

Site name

Peak flood 

elevation, in 

feet above 

NGVD 29, 

April 2–3, 2005

FEMA flood elevations, in feet above NGVD 29

10-year flood 50-year flood 100-year flood 500-year flood

20 20.1 Neversink River at Hamilton Street at Port Jervis 436.69 425.2 430.3 432.7 437.5

20.1 436.69 428.0 435.9 439.9 451.2

21 21.5 Neversink River at Rivers Edge Road at Port Jervis 435.76 423.5 429.1 432.0 437.0

21.5 435.76 427.3 435.4 438.9 451.021.2 435.37 423.4 428.7 431.7 436.7

21.2 435.37 427.1 435.2 438.7 450.821.1 435.21 423.4 428.7 431.7 436.7

21.1 435.21 426.9 435.0 438.4 450.6

22 22.1 Neversink River at Christopher Street at Port Jervis 434.05 422.6 428.0 431.2 436.4

22.1 434.05 426.5 433.5 437.4 450.2

22.3 433.96 422.5 427.9 431.0 436.3

22.3 433.96 426.3 433.3 437.2 450.0

23 23.4 Neversink River at Norfolk Southern Railroad at Port Jervis a 433.11 422.2 427.4 430.4 435.4

23.4 a 433.11 425.4 432.5 436.2 449.5

23.5 b 432.68 422.0 427.2 430.1 435.223.5 b 432.68 424.9 430.3 433.2 442.3

24 24.1 Neversink River at U.S. Route 6 (East Main Street) at Port Jervis a 432.62 421.8 427.0 429.8 435.0

24.1 a 432.62 424.7 429.7 432.5 438.724.4 a 431.97 421.8 427.0 429.8 435.0

24.4 a 431.97 424.7 429.7 432.5 438.7

24.2 b 431.73 421.7 427.0 429.7 435.024.2 b 431.73 424.7 429.6 431.8 436.0

25 25.6 Confluence of Delaware and Neversink Rivers at Interstate Route 84 at 

Port Jervis

a 430.95 420.6 426.0 428.5 434.3

25.6 a 430.95 419.8 424.0 426.7 431.625.1 b 430.95 420.5 425.7 428.4 433.6

25.1 b 430.95 419.5 423.7 426.1 431.6

a Upstream from bridge.b Downstream from bridge.
Figure 8. Peak water-surface elevations at selected sites in the Neversink River basin, N.Y., during April 2–3, 2005, and floodrecurrence values from Federal Emergency Management Agency flood-insurance studies. Site names and locations are listed in 

table 5.

1,050

1,070

1,090

1,110

1,130

1,150

1,170

1,190

5 6 7

1,060

1,065

1,070

1,075

1,080

1,085

1,090

1,095

1,100

8 9 10

SITE NUMBER

ELEVATION, IN FEET ABOVE NGVD 29

630

635

640

645

650

655

660

665

670

675

680

11 12

SITE NUMBER

Neversink River

flood elevations

1,150

1,170

1,190

1,210

1,230

1,250

1,270

1,290

1 2 3 4

ELEVATION, IN FEET ABOVE NGVD 29

500-year elevation (FEMA, 1991,1999)

100-year elevation (FEMA, 1991,1999)

50-year elevation (FEMA, 1991,1999)

10-year elevation (FEMA, 1991,1999)

April 2-3, 2005, flood elevation (USGS)

Neversink River

flood elevations

EXPLANATION

18  Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
Figure 8. Peak water-surface elevations at selected sites in the Neversink River basin, N.Y., during April 2–3, 2005, and floodrecurrence values from Federal Emergency Management Agency flood-insurance studies. Site names and locations are listed in 

table 5.—Continued

500-year elevation (FEMA, 1991,1999)

100-year elevation (FEMA, 1991,1999)

50-year elevation (FEMA, 1991,1999)

10-year elevation (FEMA, 1991,1999)

April 2-3, 2005, flood elevation (USGS)

Neversink River

 flood elevations

470

475

480

485

490

495

500

13 14 15

ELEVATION, IN FEET ABOVE NGVD 29

435

440

445

450

455

460

465

470

475

480

16 17 18

420

425

430

435

440

445

450

19 20 21

SITE NUMBER

ELEVATION, IN FEET ABOVE NGVD 29

410

415

420

425

430

435

440

445

450

455

22 23 24 25

SITE NUMBER

500-year elevation (FEMA, 2002)

100-year elevation (FEMA, 2002)

50-year elevation (FEMA, 2002)

10-year elevation (FEMA, 2002) 

Neversink River

 flood elevations

Flood Damage 19
Figure 9. Main Street bridge (U.S. Route 6) over the Neversink River at Port Jervis, N.Y., April 3, 2005. Photograph by Laurie Fuller, 

Port Jervis, N.Y.

20 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
Summary

Heavy rain in the region produced rainfall amounts of 

3 inches to almost 6 inches within a 36-hour period from 

April 2 to 3, 2005. These rains came only days after the 

March 28–29, 2005, storm soaked the area with 1 to 2 inches 

of rain that left rivers and streams flowing at above base levels. 

The mean daily streamflow on April 1 at the USGS streamgaging station Neversink River at Claryville, N.Y., was at a 

level that is exceeded only 20 percent of the time or less. This 

storm produced peak water-surface elevations with recurrence 

intervals greater than 500 years, as indicated by flood 

elevations documented in FEMA flood-insurance studies. 

The Neversink Reservoir was at greater than 100 percent of 

capacity and already spilling at the start of this event. More 

than 1,000 people were asked to evacuate, and more than 150 

homes were condemned due to flood damage. Orange and 

Sullivan Counties were among the 20 counties in New York 

declared as Federal disaster areas and eligible for assistance. 

Federal disaster assistance for this flood in New York was 

almost $35 million. Some of the most devastating damage in 

the Neversink River basin was in the areas of Myers Grove 

and Godeffroy, N.Y.

Peak water-surface elevations at 25 study sites on the 

Neversink River were surveyed and, where possible, were 

compared to flood profiles in the flood-insurance studies 

published by FEMA. The recurrence intervals for the peak 

water-surface elevations at many of the study sites were 

determined to be greater than 100 years. The recurrence 

intervals for the peak water-surface elevations in the Myers 

Grove and Godeffroy areas were determined to be greater 

than 500 years. Several USGS stream-gaging stations on the 

Neversink River recorded the highest peak discharges since 

the Neversink Reservoir began operations in 1953. The USGS 

stream-gaging station Neversink River at Godeffroy, N.Y., has 

been in operation since 1937, and recorded a peak discharge 

within 1.5 percent of the historical peak-of-record maximum 

recorded in 1955 (33,000 ft3/s, August 19, 1955).

Acknowledgments

Thanks are extended to the USGS hydrologists and 

hydrologic technicians who collected the data for this report 

during and after the flood: L.T. Brooks, A.M. Gearwar, M.E. 

Hendricks, T.F. Hoffman, R. Lumia, K. McGrath, Kevin D. 

Reisig, and B.J. Zatorsky.

Selected References

Benson, M.A., and Dalrymple, Tate, 1967, General field and 

office procedures for indirect discharge measurements: 

U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources 

Investigations, book 3, chap. A1, 30 p.

Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1991, Flood insurance study, Town of Thompson, Sullivan County, New 

York: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal 

Insurance Administration, 21 p.

Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1999, Flood insurance study, Town of Deerpark, Orange County, New York: 

Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Insurance 

Administration, 22 p.

Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2002, Flood insurance study, City of Port Jervis, Orange County, New York: 

Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Insurance 

Administration, 19 p.

Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2005, News release, 

disaster assistance to New York nears $35 million: Federal 

Emergency Management Agency, no. 1589-078.

Interagency Advisory Committee on Water Data, 1982, Guidelines for determining flood flow frequency, Bulletin 17B of 

the Hydrology Subcommittee: Reston, Va., U.S. Geological 

Survey, Office of Water Data Coordination, 183 p.

Lumia, Richard, 1998, Flood of January 19–20, 1996, in 

New York State: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources 

Investigations Report 97–4252, 61 p.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2005a, 

Climatological data, New York, March 2005: Asheville, 

N.C., National Climatic Data Center, v. 117, no. 4, 42 p.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2005b, 

Climatological data, New York, April 2005: Asheville, 

N.C., National Climatic Data Center, v. 117, no. 4, 42 p.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2005c, 

Hourly precipitation data, New York, April 2005: Asheville, N.C., National Climatic Data Center, v. 55, no. 4, 

20 p.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2005d, 

New York climate, March 2005: Ithaca, N.Y., Northeast 

Regional Climate Center, Cornell University, v. 105, 13 p.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2005e, 

New York climate, April 2005: Ithaca, N.Y., Northeast 

Regional Climate Center, Cornell University, v. 105, 11 p.

Selected References 21
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2005f, 

Flood of April 2005: Binghamton, N.Y., National Weather 

Service, accessed June 2005, at http://www.erh.noaa.gov/

bgm/WeatherEvents/Flood/april2005/.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2005g, 

North American Vertical Datum Conversion Utility: Silver 

Spring, Maryland, National Geodetic Survey, accessed 

November 2005, at http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/TOOLS/

Vertcon/vertcon.html.

Times Herald-Record, 2005a, Massive flooding: Middletown, 

N.Y., April 4.

Times Herald-Record, 2005b, Hundreds left homeless: 

Middletown, N.Y., April 6.

Times Herald-Record, 2005c, Flood Bill could be $80M plus: 

Middletown, N.Y., April 7.

The River Reporter, 2005, Flood ravages valley: Narrowsburg, 

N.Y., April 7–13.

The Times Union, 2005, Flood victim found; emergencies 

declared: Albany, N.Y., April 6.

 U.S. Geological Survey, 1960, Compilation of records of surface waters of the United States through September 1950, 

Part 1-B North Atlantic Slope Basins, New York to York 

River: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 1302, 

679 p.

U.S. Geological Survey, 1964, Compilation of records of surface waters of the United States, October 1950 to September 

1960, Part 1-B North Atlantic Slope Basins, New York to 

York River: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 

1722, 578 p.

U.S. Weather Bureau, 1961, Rainfall frequency atlas of the 

United States: Washington, D.C., Technical Paper no. 40, 

115 p.

22 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
Appendix 1. Site Descriptions and High-Water 

Marks at Study Sites, Flood of April 2–3, 2005, 

in the Neversink River Basin, New York

The term “quad map” in Appendix 1 refers to a USGS 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle Map.

High-water-marks listed in table 5 are shown on the maps in Appendix 1.

All horizontal location coordinates are referenced to the North American Datum of 1983 

(NAD 83); lat, latitude; long, longitude.
SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 1: Neversink River at USGS stream-gaging station 01436000 at Neversink, N.Y. 

Site Location: USGS stream-gaging station 01436000, lat 41o 49’ 12” , long 74 o 38’ 08”, NAD 83 

Town of Neversink, Sullivan County, N.Y. 

Liberty East USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Seven high-water marks were surveyed: seven debris lines. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by T.P. Suro and K.D. Reisig on June 9, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a reference mark that is the USGS stream-gaging station 01436000 reference 

mark RM 4. Elevation is 1,286.01 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.57 feet from all elevations at this 

site.

Liberty East quad map with location of site 1, Neversink River at USGS stream-gaging station 01436000 at Neversink, N.Y. 

24 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 1.2 is a poor debris line on the ground, on the right bank, 50 feet downstream from the USGS stream-gaging 

station 01436000, at elevation 1,268.70 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 49’ 12.5”, long 74o 38’ 07.5”). 

High-water mark 1.6 is a poor debris line on the ground, on the right bank, 40 feet upstream from the USGS stream-gaging 

station, at elevation 1,270.67 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 49’ 13.1”, long 74o 38’ 08.8”). 

Appendix 1 25
SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 2: Neversink River at BWS Road near Neversink, N.Y. 

Site Location: Bridge on BWS Road, lat 41o 48 57.9”, long 74 o 37’ 56.9”, NAD 83 

Town of Neversink, Sullivan County, N.Y. 

Liberty East USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Seven high-water marks were surveyed: seven debris lines. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by T.P. Suro and K.D. Reisig on June 9, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a reference mark that is the USGS stream-gaging station 01436000 reference 

mark RM 4. Elevation is 1,286.01 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.57 feet from all elevations at this 

site.

Thalweg Elevation: 1,242.4 feet above NGVD 29. 

Liberty East quad map with location of site 2, Neversink River at BWS Road near Neversink, N.Y. 

26 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 2.2 is a fair debris line on the ground, on the right bank, 20 feet upstream from the BWS Road bridge, at 

elevation 1,262.30 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 48’ 58.3”, long 74o 37’ 58.9”). 

High-water mark 2.5 is a fair debris line on the ground, on the right bank, 40 feet downstream from the BWS Road bridge, at 

elevation 1,261.53 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 48’ 57.3”, long 74o 37’ 58.6”). 

Appendix 1 27
SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 3: Neversink River at Hasbrouck A Road at Hasbrouck, N.Y. 

Site Location: Bridge on Hasbrouck A Road, lat 41o 47’ 16.9”, long 74 o 36’ 56.0”, NAD 83 

Town of Fallsburg, Sullivan County, N.Y. 

Grahamsville USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Five high-water marks were surveyed: five debris lines. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by T.P. Suro and K.D. Reisig on June 8, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a benchmark that is a USGS standard disk stamped 12FHK1961-1243 set in 

top of 8-foot-diameter boulder 2.3 miles north of post office along Hasbouck A Road and 100 feet west of road (disk is in yard 

of house 481). Elevation is 1,242.53 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.59 feet from all elevations at 

this site. 

Thalweg Elevation: 1,200.3 feet above NGVD 29. 

Grahamsville quad map with location of site 3, Neversink River at Hasbrouck A Road at Hasbrouck, N.Y. 

28 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 3.1 is a fair debris line 4.4 feet above the ground, on the side of a metal fence on the right bank, 170 feet 

upstream from the Hasbrouck A Road bridge, at elevation 1,219.07 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 47’ 16.9”, long 74o 36’ 58.5”). 

High-water mark 3.4 is a fair debris line 3.6 feet above the ground, on a tree on the right bank, 40 feet downstream from the 

Hasbrouck A Road bridge, at elevation 1,217.75 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 47’ 16.4”, long 74o 36’ 55.2”). 

Appendix 1 29
SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 4: Neversink River at State Routes 42 and 52 at Woodbourne, N.Y. 

Site Location: Bridge on State Routes 42 and 52, lat 41o 45’ 35.6 ”, long 74 o 35’ 58.5”, NAD 83 

Town of Fallsburg, Sullivan County, N.Y. 

Grahamsville USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Four high-water marks were surveyed: four debris lines. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by T.P. Suro and K.D. Reisig on June 8, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a benchmark that is a USGS standard disk stamped 11FHK1961-RESET 

1982 set in the northwest end of southwest concrete bridge abutment of the State Routes 42 and 52 bridge. Elevation is 

1,189.55 feet above NGVD 29, from NYS DOT bridge plans, BIN 1024990. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.60 feet from 

all elevations at this site. 

Grahamsville quad map with location of site 4, Neversink River at State Routes 42 and 52 at Woodbourne, N.Y. 

30 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 4.2 is a poor debris line on the ground, on the right bank, 120 feet upstream from the State Routes 42 and 52 

bridge, at elevation 1,182.00 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 45’ 36.4”, long 74o 36’ 00.6”). 

High-water mark 4.3 is a fair debris line on remains of old concrete wall, on the right bank, 120 feet downstream from the State

Routes 42 and 52 bridge, at elevation 1,181.48 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 45’ 33.7”, long 74o 35’ 59.8”). 

Appendix 1 31
SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 5: Neversink River at USGS stream-gaging station 01436500 at Woodbourne, N.Y. 

Site Location: USGS stream-gaging station 04365000 (discontinued), lat 41o 45’ 24.0”, long 74 o 35’ 49.8”, NAD 83 

Town of Fallsburg, Sullivan County, N.Y. 

Grahamsville USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Eight high-water marks were surveyed: eight debris lines. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by T.P. Suro and K.D. Reisig on June 8, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a benchmark that is a USGS standard disk stamped 11FHK1961-RESET 

1982 set in the northwest end of southwest concrete bridge abutment of the State Routes 42 and 52 bridge. Elevation is 

1,189.55 feet above NGVD 29, from NYS DOT bridge plans, BIN 1024990. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.60 feet from 

all elevations at this site. 

Grahamsville quad map with location of site 5, Neversink River at USGS stream-gaging station 01436500 at Woodbourne, N.Y. 

32 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 5.5 is a fair debris line on the ground, on the left bank, 170 feet upstream from the USGS stream-gaging 

station, at elevation 1,179.24 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 45’ 25.8”, long 74o 35’ 50.5”). 

High-water mark 5.6 is a fair debris line on the ground, on the left bank, 42 feet downstream from the USGS stream-gaging 

station, at elevation 1,178.83 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 45’ 23.6”, long 74o 35’ 49.8”). 

Appendix 1 33
SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 6: Neversink River at County Route 53 at Fallsburg, N.Y. 

Site Location: Bridge on County Route 53, lat 41o 43’ 49.1”, long 74 o 36’ 14.0”, NAD 83 

Town of Fallsburg, Sullivan County, N.Y. 

Woodridge USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Five high-water marks were surveyed: five debris lines. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by T.P. Suro and K.D. Reisig on June 8, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a benchmark that is a USGS standard disk stamped 10FHK1961-1243 set in 

west end of south sidewalk of County Route 53 bridge. Elevation is 1,162.33 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, 

subtract 0.61 feet from all elevations at this site. 

Thalweg Elevation: 1,099.6 feet above NGVD 29. 

Woodridge quad map with location of site 6, Neversink River at County Route 53 at Fallsburg, N.Y. 

34 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 6.1 is a fair debris line on the ground, on the left bank, 69 feet upstream from the County Route 53 bridge, at

elevation 1,155.93 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 43’ 50.0”, long 74o 36’ 13.3”). 

High-water mark 6.3 is a fair debris line on the ground, on the left bank, 110 feet downstream from the County Route 53 bridge,

at elevation 1,149.23 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 43’ 47.7”, long 74o 36’ 13.0”). 

Appendix 1 35
SITE DESCRIPTION

Site 7: Neversink River at Ranch Hill Road near Thompsonville, N.Y. 

Site Location: Bridge on Ranch Hill Road, lat 41o 40’ 39.3”, long 74 o 35’ 53.9”, NAD 83 

Town of Thompson, Sullivan County, N.Y. 

Woodridge USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Five high-water marks were surveyed: five debris lines. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by T.P. Suro and T.F. Hoffman on June 3, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a benchmark that is a USGS standard disk stamped 39 FHK1961-1435 set in 

top of north corner of boulder, 0.2 miles north of Old Glenwild Road along Glenwild Road (County Route 58) and 24 feet 

west of the centerline of road. Elevation is 1,434.72 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.61 feet from all 

elevations at this site. 

Thalweg Elevation: 1,080.1 feet above NGVD 29. 

Woodridge quad map with location of site 7, Neversink River at Ranch Hill Road near Thompsonville, N.Y. 

36 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 7.4 is a fair debris line on the ground, on the left bank, 45 feet upstream from the Ranch Hill Road bridge, at

elevation 1,095.94 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 40’ 39.1”, long 74o 35’ 52.9”). 

High-water mark 7.6 is a fair debris line on the ground, on the left bank, 150 feet downstream from the Ranch Hill Road bridge,

at elevation 1,094.12 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 40’ 38.2”, long 74o 35’ 53.8”). 

Appendix 1 37
SITE DESCRIPTION

Site 8: Neversink River at USGS stream-gaging station 01436690 at Bridgeville, N.Y. 

Site Location: USGS stream-gaging station 01436690, lat 41o 38’ 16.7”, long 74o 37’ 02.2”, NAD 83 

Town of Thompson, Sullivan County, N.Y. 

Woodridge USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Three high-water marks were surveyed: two debris lines and one seed line. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by T.P. Suro and T.F. Hoffman on June 2, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a reference mark that is a chiseled square on top of foundation at corner of 

State Route 17 overpass column on east side of Edwards Road and north of State Route 17. This is RM 14 in the Town of 

Thompson FEMA flood-insurance study. Elevation is 1,081.44 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.58 

feet from all elevations at this site. 

Woodridge quad map with location of site 8, Neversink River at USGS stream-gaging station 01436690 at Bridgeville, N.Y. 

38 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 8.1 is an excellent seed line about 8 feet above the ground, on the landward side of the USGS stream-gaging 

station, on the left bank, at elevation 1,077.31 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 38’ 16.7”, long 74o 37’ 02.2”). 

Appendix 1 39
SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 9: Neversink River at State Route 17 at Bridgeville, N.Y. 

Site Location: Bridge on State Route 17, lat 41o 38’ 10.9”, long 74o 37’ 06.0”, NAD 83 

Town of Thompson, Sullivan County, N.Y. 

Woodridge USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Seven high-water marks were surveyed: seven debris lines. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by T.P. Suro and T.F. Hoffman on June 2, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a reference mark that is a chiseled square on top of foundation at corner of 

State Route 17 overpass column on east side of Edwards Road and north of State Route 17. This is RM 14 in the Town of 

Thompson FEMA flood-insurance study. Elevation is 1,081.44 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.57 

feet from all elevations at this site. 

Woodridge quad map with location of site 9, Neversink River at State Route 17 at Bridgeville, N.Y. 

40 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 9.3 is a poor debris line on the ground, on the left bank, 40 feet downstream from the State Route 17 bridge, at

elevation 1,075.90 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 38’ 09.8”, long 74o 37’ 04.7”). 

High-water mark 9.5 is a poor debris line on the ground, on the left bank, 75 feet upstream from the State Route 17 bridge, at 

elevation 1,076.60 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 38’ 11.5”, long 74o 37’ 04.5”). 

Appendix 1 41
SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 10: Neversink River at County Route 173 at Bridgeville, N.Y. 

Site Location: Bridge on County Route 173, lat 41o 38’ 03.1”, long 74o 37’ 07.7”, NAD 83 

Town of Thompson, Sullivan County, N.Y. 

Woodridge USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Seven high-water marks were surveyed: seven debris lines. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by T.P. Suro and T.F. Hoffman on June 2, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a reference mark that is a chiseled square on the northwest wingwall at angle 

point on north side of County Route 173 bridge. This is RM 15 in the Town of Thompson FEMA flood-insurance study. 

Elevation is 1,080.76 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.57 feet from all elevations at this site. 

Thalweg Elevation: 1,055.5 feet above NGVD 29. 

Woodridge quad map with location of site 10, Neversink River at County Route 173 at Bridgeville, N.Y. 

42 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 10.1 is a fair debris line on the ground, in the side yard of house 447 on County Route 173, on the right bank,

65 feet upstream from the County Route 173 bridge, at elevation 1,075.60 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 38’ 03.8”, long 74o 37’ 

10.9”). 

High-water mark 10.3 is a poor debris line on the ground, on the right bank, 66 feet downstream from the County Route 173 

bridge, at elevation 1,074.83 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 38’ 02.3”, long 74o 37’ 08.8”). 

Appendix 1 43
SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 11: Neversink River at County Route 49 at Oakland Valley, N.Y. 

Site Location: Bridge on County Route 49, lat 41o 30’ 16.5”, long 74o 38’ 51.8”, NAD 83 

Town of Forestburg, Sullivan County, N.Y. 

Hartwood USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Five high-water marks were surveyed: five debris lines. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by T.P. Suro and T.F. Hoffman on June 2, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a benchmark that is a USGS standard disk stamped 686 ALBANY ADJ 1903 

set in ledge rock cliff 34 feet southeast of the centerline of the south abutment of the old bridge over the Neversink River (old

bridge deck has been removed). Elevation is 685.37 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.56 feet from all 

elevations at this site. 

Thalweg Elevation: 660.2 feet above NGVD 29. 

Hartwood quad map with location of site 11, Neversink River at County Route 49 at Oakland Valley, N.Y. 

44 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 11.1 is a good debris line 2.6 feet above the ground, on the streamward side of a stone wall, on the left bank,

175 feet upstream from the County Route 49 bridge, at elevation 675.63 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 30’ 16.3”, long 74o 38’ 

50.0”). 

High-water mark 11.4 is a poor debris line on the ground, on the left bank, 100 feet downstream from the County Route 49 

bridge, at elevation 674.29 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 30’ 15.1”, long 74o 38’ 52.5”). 

Appendix 1 45
SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 12: Neversink River at Paradise Road at Oakland Valley, N.Y. 

Site Location: Bridge on Paradise Road, lat 41o 29’ 48.2”, long 74 o 38’ 44.3”, NAD 83 

Town of Deerpark, Orange County, N.Y. 

Port Jervis North USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Thirteen high-water marks were surveyed: 13 debris lines. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by T.P. Suro and K.D. Reisig on June 9, 2005, and T.P. Suro and A.M. Gearwar on 

November 15, 2005.

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a reference mark that is the USGS stream-gaging station 01437000 

(discontinued) reference mark RM 1. Elevation is 641.84 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.57 feet 

from all elevations at this site. 

Thalweg Elevation: 624.8 feet above NGVD 29. 

Port Jervis North quad map with location of site 12, Neversink River at Paradise Road at Oakland Valley, N.Y. 

46 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 12.3 is a fair debris line on the ground, on the right bank, 275 feet downstream from the Paradise Road bridge,

at elevation 645.50 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 29’ 45.4”, long 74o 38’ 46.5”). 

High-water mark 12.10 is a poor debris line on the ground, on the right bank, 210 feet upstream from the Paradise Road bridge, 

at elevation 647.00 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 29’ 50.2”, long 74o 38’ 46.7”). 

Appendix 1 47
SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 13: Neversink River at U.S. Route 209 at Cuddebackville, N.Y. 

Site Location: Bridge on U.S. Route 209, lat 41o 27’ 20.4”, long 74 o 36’ 01.2”, NAD 83 

Town of Deerpark, Orange County, N.Y. 

Otisville USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Nine high-water marks were surveyed: six seed lines and three debris lines. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by G.D. Firda, R. Lumia, and B.J. Zatorsky on April 12, 2005, and G.D. Firda and 

A.M. Gearwar on June 9, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a benchmark that is an NGS standard disk stamped H 415 1978 set in top of 

the southwest end of abutment of the southwest end of the U.S. Route 209 bridge, NGS PID LY2072. This is RM 15 in the 

Town of Deerpark FEMA flood-insurance study. Elevation is 508.91 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 

0.62 feet from all elevations at this site. 

Thalweg Elevation: 487.3 feet above NGVD 29. 

Otisville quad map with location of site 13, Neversink River at U.S. Route 209 at Cuddebackville, N.Y. 

48 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 13.1 is an excellent seed line on the ground, on the left bank, 20 feet downstream from the U.S. Route 209 

bridge, at elevation 498.44 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 27’ 20.9”, long 74o 35’ 59.9”). 

High-water mark 13.4 is an excellent seed line about 3 feet above the ground, on a tree on the left bank, 125 feet upstream from

the U.S. Route 209 bridge, at elevation 499.64 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 27’ 23.0”, long 74o 36’ 00.7”). 

Appendix 1 49
High-water mark 13.6 is a good debris line on the ground, on the right bank, 50 feet downstream from the U.S. Route 209 

bridge, at elevation 497.93 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 27’ 20.0”, long 74o 36’ 01.9”). 

High-water mark 13.8 is an excellent seed line about 5 feet above the ground, on a tree on the right bank, 165 feet upstream 

from the U.S. Route 209 bridge, at elevation 499.78 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 27’ 21.2”, long 74o 36’ 05.3”). 

50 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
Appendix 1 51

Page left intentionally blank
SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 14: Neversink River at Avenue E and Grove Street at Myers Grove, N.Y. 

Site Location: Avenue E and Grove Street, lat 41o 26’ 44.1”, long 74 o 35’ 53.6”, NAD 83 

Town of Deerpark, Orange County, N.Y. 

Otisville USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Three high-water marks were surveyed: two mud lines and one seed line. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by G.D. Firda and A.M. Gearwar on June 9, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a reference mark that is the USGS stream-gaging station 01437500 reference 

mark RM 10. Elevation is 474.72 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.62 feet from all elevations at this 

site.

Otisville quad map with location of site 14, Neversink River at Avenue E and Grove Street at Myers Grove, N.Y. 

52 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 14.1 is a good seed line about 1 foot above the ground, on the landward side of house 14 on Avenue E, on the 

right bank, at elevation 477.74 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 44.1”, long 74o 35’ 53.6”). 

High-water mark 14.2 is a good mud line about 2.5 feet above the ground, on the landward side of house 18 on Avenue E, on 

the right bank, at elevation 478.72 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 44.7”, long 74o 35’ 53.8”). 

Appendix 1 53
High-water mark 14.3 is a good mud line about 1 foot above the ground, on the landward side of a detached garage downstream from house 14 on Grove Street, on the right bank, at elevation 479.64 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 47.5”, 

long 74o

 35’ 53.6”). 

54 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
Appendix 1 55

Page left intentionally blank
SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 15: Neversink River at Shore Drive at Myers Grove, N.Y. 

Site Location: Shore Drive, lat 41o 26’ 32.9”, long 74 o 36’ 04.4”, NAD 83 

Town of Deerpark, Orange County, N.Y. 

Otisville USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Three high-water marks were surveyed: three mud lines. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by G.D. Firda and A.M. Gearwar on June 9, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a reference mark that is the USGS stream-gaging station 01437500 reference 

mark RM 10. Elevation is 474.72 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.61 feet from all elevations at this 

site.

Otisville quad map with location of site 15, Neversink River at Shore Drive at Myers Grove, N.Y. 

56 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 15.1 is an excellent mud line about 2 feet above the ground, on the upstream side of unnumbered house just 

downstream from house 23 on Shore Drive, on the right bank, at elevation 473.78 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 32.9”, 

long 74o

 36’ 04.4”). 

High-water mark 15.2 is a fair mud line about 3 feet above the ground, on the upstream side of a storage shed landward from 

house 39 on Shore Drive, on the right bank, at elevation 475.27 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 36.8”, long 74o 36’ 00.5”). 

Appendix 1 57
High-water mark 15.3 is a fair seed line about 3 feet above the ground, on the upstream side of house 57 on Shore Drive, on the

right bank, at elevation 476.31 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 39.9”, long 74o 35’ 56.3”). 

58 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
Appendix 1 59

Page left intentionally blank
SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 16: Neversink River at Guymard Turnpike at Myers Grove, N.Y. 

Site Location: Bridge on Guymard Turnpike, lat 41o 26’ 27.0”, long 74 o 36’ 05.4”, NAD 83 

Town of Deerpark, Orange County, N.Y. 

Otisville USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Thirty-one high-water marks were surveyed: 18 seed lines, 12 debris lines, and 1 mud line. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at most high-water marks. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by G.D. Firda, R. Lumia, and B.J. Zatorsky on April 11-12, 2005, G.D. Firda, C.L. 

Gazoorian, and R. Lumia on April 19, 2005, and G.D. Firda and A.M. Gearwar on June 9, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a reference mark that is the USGS stream-gaging station 01437500 reference 

mark RM 10. Elevation is 474.72 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.61 feet from all elevations at this 

site.

Thalweg Elevation: 458.0 feet above NGVD 29. 

Otisville quad map with location of site 16, Neversink River at Guymard Turnpike at Myers Grove, N.Y. 

60 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 16.3 is a good mud line about 2 feet above the ground, on the downstream side of house 7 on Shore Drive, 

on the right bank, 155 feet upstream and 75 feet landward from the Guymard Turnpike bridge right abutment, at elevation 

473.35 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 30.2”, long 74o 36’ 06.9”). 

High-water mark 16.6 is an excellent seed line about 2 feet above the ground, on the downstream side of unnumbered house 

just streamward from house 123 on Guymard Turnpike, on the right bank, 150 feet upstream and 670 feet landward from the 

Guymard Turnpike bridge right abutment, at elevation 472.81 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 32.8”, long 74o 36’ 13.4”). 

Appendix 1 61
High-water mark 16.7 is a good seed line about 1 foot above the ground, on the downstream side of house 123 on Guymard 

Turnpike, on the right bank, 90 feet upstream and 815 feet landward from the Guymard Turnpike bridge right abutment, at 

elevation 472.37 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 33.3”, long 74o 36’ 15.4”). 

High-water mark 16.8 is an excellent seed line about 1 foot above the ground, on the streamward side of a detached garage 

streamward from house 119 on Guymard Turnpike, on the right bank, 80 feet upstream and 965 feet landward from the 

Guymard Turnpike bridge right abutment, at elevation 472.17 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 33.9”, long 74o 36’ 17.1”). 

62 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 16.12 is an excellent seed line about 2 feet above the ground, on a tree on the right bank, 50 feet upstream and

1,330 feet landward from the Guymard Turnpike bridge right abutment, at elevation 469.61 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 

35.2”, long 74o

 36’ 21.0”). 

High-water mark 16.14 is an excellent seed line about 6 feet above the ground, on a tree on the right bank, 35 feet upstream and

1,815 feet landward from the Guymard Turnpike bridge right abutment, at elevation 471.27 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 

38.1”, long 74o

 36’ 26.8”). 

Appendix 1 63
No photos were taken of high-water mark 16.17. High-water mark 16.17 is a fair debris line on the ground, on the right bank, 

60 feet downstream and 1,800 feet landward from the Guymard Turnpike bridge right abutment, at elevation 467.50 feet above 

NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 36.6”, long 74o 36’ 27.0”). 

High-water mark 16.25 is an excellent seed line about 3 feet above the ground, on the downstream side of a fence, on the right 

bank, 150 feet upstream and 2,895 feet landward from the Guymard Turnpike bridge right abutment, at elevation 473.98 feet 

above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 45.3”, long 74o 36’ 37.7”). 

No photos were taken of high-water mark 16.28. High-water mark 16.28 is a fair debris line on the ground, on the left bank, 

30 feet downstream and 30 feet landward from the Guymard Turnpike bridge left abutment, at elevation 472.00 feet above 

NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 26.4”, long 74o 36’ 04.8”). 

No photos were taken of high-water mark 16.31. High-water mark 16.31 is a poor seed line about 3 feet above the ground, 

on a tree on the right bank, 20 feet downstream and 100 feet landward from the Guymard Turnpike bridge right abutment, at 

elevation 472.14 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 27.6”, long 74o 36’ 07.8”). 

64 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
Appendix 1 65

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SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 17: Neversink River at American Family Campground at Godeffroy, N.Y. 

Site Location: American Family Campground, lat 41o 26’ 27.8”, long 74 o 36’ 12.1”, NAD 83 

Town of Deerpark, Orange County, N.Y. 

Otisville USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Four high-water marks were surveyed: three mud lines and one seed line. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by G.D. Firda and A.M. Gearwar on June 10, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a reference mark that is the USGS stream-gaging station 01437500 reference 

mark RM 10. Elevation is 474.72 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.61 feet from all elevations at this 

site.

Otisville quad map with location of site 17, Neversink River at American Family Campground at Godeffroy, N.Y. 

66 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 17.1 is a good mud line about 1 foot above the ground, on the streamward side of a cabin located on campsite 

53, on the right bank, at elevation 470.55 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 27.8”, long 74o 36’ 12.1”). 

High-water mark 17.2 is a good mud line about 3 feet above the ground, on the streamward side of a cabin located on campsite 

58, on the right bank, at elevation 471.22 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 25.0”, long 74o 36’ 11.6”). 

Appendix 1 67
High-water mark 17.3 is a good seed line about 1 foot above the ground, on the streamward side of a storage shed located on 

campsite 43, on the right bank, at elevation 469.43 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 27.6”, long 74o 36’ 15.1”). 

High-water mark 17.4 is an excellent mud line about 2 feet above the ground, on the streamward side of a storage shed located 

on campsite 37, on the right bank, at elevation 468.90 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 26’ 27.0”, long 74o 36’ 17.4”). 

68 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
Appendix 1 69

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SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 18: Neversink River at County Route 80 (Neversink Drive) at Huguenot, N.Y. 

Site Location: Bridge on County Route 80, lat 41o 24’ 24.0”, long 74 o 38’ 02.4”, NAD 83 

Town of Deerpark, Orange County, N.Y. 

Port Jervis North USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Five high-water marks were surveyed: five seed lines. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by G.D. Firda, C.L. Gazoorian, and R. Lumia on April 18, 2005, and G.D. Firda and 

A.M. Gearwar on June 8, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a reference mark that is a chiseled X on the northwest corner of the concrete 

curbing of the Neversink Drive bridge over the Neversink River. This is RM 10 in the Town of Deerpark FEMA floodinsurance study. Elevation is 458.90 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.59 feet from all elevations at 

this site. 

Thalweg Elevation: 425.5 feet above NGVD 29. 

Port Jervis North quad map with location of site 18, Neversink River at County Route 80 (Neversink Drive) at Huguenot, N.Y. 

70 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 18.3 is an excellent seed line about 6 feet above the ground, on a tree on the right bank, 30 feet upstream from

the Neversink Drive bridge, at elevation 446.55 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 24’ 29.5”, long 74o 38’ 03.6”). 

High-water mark 18.4 is a good seed line about 2 feet above the ground, on a tree on the right bank, 25 feet downstream from 

the Neversink Drive bridge, at elevation 445.05 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 24’ 26.2”, long 74o 38’ 03.6”). 

Appendix 1 71
SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 19: Neversink River at Riverdale Road at Huguenot, N.Y. 

Site Location: Riverdale Road, lat 41o 23’ 59.5”, long 74 o 38’ 40.8”, NAD 83 

Town of Deerpark, Orange County, N.Y. 

Port Jervis North USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Three high-water marks were surveyed: two mud lines and one seed line. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by G.D. Firda and A.M. Gearwar on June 8, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a reference mark that is a chiseled X on the northwest corner of the concrete 

curbing of the Neversink Drive bridge over the Neversink River. This is RM 10 in the Town of Deerpark FEMA floodinsurance study. Elevation is 458.90 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.60 feet from all elevations at 

this site. 

Port Jervis North quad map with location of site 19, Neversink River at Riverdale Road at Huguenot, N.Y. 

72 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 19.1 is an excellent mud line about 2 feet above the ground, on the landward side of house 117 on Riverdale 

Road, on the left bank, at elevation 441.59 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 23’ 59.5”, long 74o 38’ 40.8”). 

High-water mark 19.2 is an excellent mud line about 1 foot above the ground, on the landward side of house just downstream 

from house 100 on Riverdale Road, on the left bank, at elevation 441.43 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 23’ 56.9”, long 74o 38’ 

41.5”). 

Appendix 1 73
High-water mark 19.3 is an excellent seed line about 4 feet above the ground, on the landward side of house 26 on Riverdale 

Road, on the left bank, at elevation 441.56 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 23’ 58.9”, long 74o 38’ 35.0”). 

74 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
Appendix 1 75

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SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 20: Neversink River at Hamilton Street at Port Jervis, N.Y. 

Site Location: Hamilton Street, lat 41o 22’ 34.4”, long 74 o 40’ 34.8”, NAD 83 

City of Port Jervis, Town of Deerpark, Orange County, N.Y. 

Port Jervis North USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Two high-water marks were surveyed: two seed lines. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by G.D. Firda and A.M Gearwar on June 7, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a reference mark that is a chiseled X on the northwest concrete abutment of 

the Hamilton Street bridge over Gold Creek. This is RM 6 in the Town of Deerpark FEMA flood-insurance study. Elevation is 

428.68 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.57 feet from all elevations at this site. 

Port Jervis North quad map with location of site 20, Neversink River at Hamilton Street at Port Jervis, N.Y. 

76 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 20.1 is an excellent seed line about 4 feet above the ground, on the Chief Donald E. DeVore Training Center 

pavilion support posts, on the right bank, at elevation 436.69 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 22’ 34.4”, long 74o 40’ 34.8”). 

Appendix 1 77
SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 21: Neversink River at Rivers Edge Road at Port Jervis, N.Y. 

Site Location: Rivers Edge Road, lat 41o 22’ 10.8”, long 74 o 40’ 48.2”, NAD 83 

City of Port Jervis, Town of Deerpark, Orange County, N.Y. 

Port Jervis South USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Five high-water marks were surveyed: four mud lines and one seed line. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by G.D. Firda and A.M. Gearwar on June 7, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a benchmark that is an NGS standard disk stamped 431.623 NEVERSINK 

1933 on East Main Street bridge over the Neversink River at Port Jervis on the south concrete backwall, NGS PID LY0728. 

Elevation is 431.62 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.57 feet from all elevations at this site. 

Port Jervis South quad map with location of site 21, Neversink River at Rivers Edge Road at Port Jervis, N.Y. 

78 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 21.1 is an excellent mud line about 9 feet above the ground, on the landward side of house 3 on Rivers Edge 

Road, on the left bank, at elevation 435.21 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 22’ 10.8”, long 74o 40’ 48.2”). 

High-water mark 21.2 is an excellent mud line about 8 feet above the ground, on the landward side of house 17 on Rivers Edge 

Road, on the left bank, at elevation 435.37 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 22’ 15.6”, long 74o 40’ 46.3”). 

Appendix 1 79
High-water mark 21.5 is an excellent seed line about 4 feet above the ground, on the downstream side of a detached garage 

upstream from house 30 on Rivers Edge Road, on the left bank, at elevation 435.76 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 22’ 20.0”, 

long 74o

 40’ 42.4”). 

80 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
Appendix 1 81

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SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 22: Neversink River at Christopher Street at Port Jervis, N.Y. 

Site Location: Christopher Street, lat 41o 21’ 54.4”, long 74 o 40’ 44.5”, NAD 83 

City of Port Jervis, Town of Deerpark, Orange County, N.Y. 

Port Jervis South USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Three high-water marks were surveyed: three debris lines. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by G.D. Firda and A.M Gearwar on June 7, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a benchmark that is an NGS standard disk stamped 431.623 NEVERSINK 

1933 on East Main Street bridge over the Neversink River at Port Jervis on the south concrete backwall, NGS PID LY0728. 

Elevation is 431.62 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.57 feet from all elevations at this site. 

Port Jervis South quad map with location of site 22, Neversink River at Christopher Street at Port Jervis, N.Y. 

82 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 22.1 is a fair debris line on the ground, on the left bank, 200 feet upstream from house 11 on Christopher 

Street, at elevation 434.05 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 21’ 54.4”, long 74o 40’ 44.5”). 

High-water mark 22.3 is a fair debris line on the ground, on the left bank, 60 feet streamward from house 11 on Christopher 

Street, at elevation 433.96 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 21’ 52.3”, long 74o 40’ 44.3”). 

Appendix 1 83
SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 23: Neversink River at Norfolk Southern Railroad at Port Jervis, N.Y. 

Site Location: Bridge on Norfolk Southern Railroad, lat 41o 21’ 45.6”, long 74 o 41’ 01.2”, NAD 83 

City of Port Jervis, Town of Deerpark, Orange County, N.Y. 

Port Jervis South USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Five high-water marks were surveyed: four debris lines and one mud line. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by G.D. Firda and A.M. Gearwar on June 7, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a benchmark that is an NGS standard disk stamped 431.623 NEVERSINK 

1933 on East Main Street bridge over the Neversink River at Port Jervis on the south concrete backwall, NGS PID LY0728. 

Elevation is 431.62 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.57 feet from all elevations at this site. 

Port Jervis South quad map with location of site 23, Neversink River at Norfolk Southern Railroad at Port Jervis, N.Y. 

84 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 23.4 is a good debris line about 2 feet above the ground, on the Port Jervis Wastewater Treatment Plant 

downstream security fence, on the left bank, 80 feet upstream from the Norfolk Southern Railroad bridge, at elevation 433.11 

feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 21’ 45.1”, long 74o 40’ 58.8”). 

High-water mark 23.5 is an excellent mud line about 3 feet above the ground, on the upstream side of a detached garage 

streamward from house 26 on North Maple Avenue, on the left bank, 190 feet downstream from the Norfolk Southern Railroad 

bridge, at elevation 432.68 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 21’ 42.5”, long 74o 41’ 00.6”). 

Appendix 1 85
SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 24: Neversink River at U.S. Route 6 (East Main Street) at Port Jervis, N.Y. 

Site Location: Bridge on U.S. Route 6, lat 41o 21’ 40.2”, long 74 o 41’ 06.6”, NAD 83 

City of Port Jervis, Town of Deerpark, Orange County, N.Y. 

Port Jervis South USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Four high-water marks were surveyed: two debris lines and two mud lines. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by G.D. Firda, C.L. Gazoorian, and R. Lumia on April 19, 2005, and G.D. Firda and 

A.M. Gearwar on June 6, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a benchmark that is an NGS standard disk stamped 431.623 NEVERSINK 

1933 on East Main Street bridge over the Neversink River at Port Jervis on the south concrete backwall, NGS PID LY0728. 

Elevation is 431.62 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.57 feet from all elevations at this site. 

Port Jervis South quad map with location of site 24, Neversink River at U.S. Route 6 (East Main Street) at Port Jervis, N.Y. 

86 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 24.1 is an excellent mud line about 8 feet above the ground, on the streamward side of house 246 on East 

Main Street, on the right bank, 10 feet upstream from the East Main Street bridge, at elevation 432.62 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 

41o

 21’ 40.8”, long 74o 41’ 07.4”). 

High-water mark 24.2 is a good debris line on the ground, on the right bank, 25 feet downstream from the East Main Street 

bridge, at elevation 431.73 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 21’ 40.7”, long 74o 41’ 08.3”). 

Appendix 1 87
High-water mark 24.4 is a good mud line about 4 feet above the ground, on the downstream side of building 4 on North Maple 

Avenue, on the left bank, 10 feet upstream from the East Main Street bridge, at elevation 431.97 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

21’ 39.4”, long 74o

 41’ 05.2”). 

88 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
Appendix 1 89

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SITE DESCRIPTION 

Site 25: Confluence of Delaware and Neversink Rivers at Interstate Route 84 at Port Jervis, N.Y. 

Site Location: Bridges on Interstate Route 84, lat 41o 21’ 28.2”, long 74 o 41’ 43.8”, NAD 83 

City of Port Jervis, Town of Deerpark, Orange County, N.Y. 

Port Jervis South USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle 

High-Water Marks: Six high-water marks were surveyed: three seed lines and three debris lines. 

Photos and GPS readings were taken at each high-water mark. Field notes are filed at the USGS office in Troy, N.Y. 

Marks were surveyed and photos taken by G.D. Firda, C.L. Gazoorian, and R. Lumia on April 19, 2005, and G.D. Firda and 

A.M. Gearwar on June 6, 2005. 

High-water-mark elevations were surveyed from a benchmark that is an NGS standard disk stamped 431.623 NEVERSINK 

1933 on East Main Street bridge over the Neversink River at Port Jervis on the south concrete backwall, NGS PID LY0728. 

Elevation is 431.62 feet above NGVD 29. To convert to NAVD 88, subtract 0.57 feet from all elevations at this site. 

Port Jervis South quad map with location of site 25, Confluence of Delaware and Neversink Rivers at Interstate Route 84 at Port

Jervis, N.Y. 

90 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York
High-water mark 25.1 is an excellent seed line about 6 feet above the ground, on a tree on the left bank, 100 feet downstream 

from the eastbound (downstream) Interstate Route 84 bridge, at elevation 430.95 feet above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 21’ 24.0”, long 

74o

 41’ 36.3”). 

High-water mark 25.6 is an excellent seed line about 8 feet above the ground, on the streamward side of house 25 on Butler 

Road, on the left bank, 430 feet upstream from the westbound (upstream) Interstate Route 84 bridge, at elevation 430.95 feet 

above NGVD 29 (lat 41o

 21’ 28.0”, long 74o 41’ 33.1”). 

Appendix 1 91

Appendix 2. Selected Photographs of Flood 

Damage During the Flood of April 2–3, 2005, 

in the Neversink River Basin and 

Surrounding Areas
94 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York

Flood damage caused by the Neversink River in Myers Grove. Photo courtesy of Times Herald-Record, taken by staff photographer 

Tom Bushey. 

Home on Shawney Drive in Deerpark, New York flooded by the Neversink River on April 3, 2005. Photo courtesy of Times 

Herald-Record, taken by staff photographer Michele Haskell. 
Appendix 2 95

Blackhawk helicopter hovers above residents stranded in their homes on Shore Drive in Myers Grove, New York on April 3, 2005. 

Photo courtesy of Times Herald-Record, taken by staff photographer Michele Haskell. 
96 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York

Parking lot behind Bon Secour Hospital on April 3, 2005, Port Jervis, New York. Photo courtesy of Times Herald-Record. 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) trailer at the Bon Secour Hospital on April 3, 2005. Photo courtesy of Times Herald-Record.
Appendix 2 97

Holiday Mountain Fun Park 

flooded by Neversink River on 

April 3, 2005. Photo courtesy of 

Times Herald-Record.

Neversink River damages Holiday Mountain Fun Park in Bridgeville. Photos courtesy of Times Herald-Record, taken by staff 

photographer Michele Haskell. 
98 Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York

Port Jervis High School bus garage on April 3, 2005, Port Jervis, New York. Photos courtesy of Times Herald-Record. 

Damage to Oakland Valley Road in the Town of Deerpark, New York, April 3, 2005. Photos courtesy of Times Herald-Record. 
For more information concerning the research in this report, contact:

Rafael W. Rodriguez, Director

U.S. Geological Survey

New York Water Science Center

425 Jordan Road

Troy, NY 12180-8349

or visit our Web site at:

http://ny.water.usgs.gov
Suro, T.P. and Firda, G.D.— Flood of April 2–3, 2005, Neversink River Basin, New York— Open-File Report 2006–1319