UNCERTAINTIES AND LIMITATIONS FOR USE OF FLOOD-INUNDATION MAPS

Although the flood-inundation maps represent the boundaries of inundated areas with a distinct line, some uncertainty is associated with these maps. The flood boundaries shown were estimated based on water stages (water-surface elevations) and streamflows at selected USGS streamgages. Water-surface elevations along the stream reaches were estimated by 

steady-state hydraulic modeling, assuming unobstructed flow, and using streamflows and hydrologic conditions anticipated at the USGS streamgage(s). The hydraulic model reflects the land-cover characteristics and any bridge, dam, levee, or other hydraulic structures existing as of September 2004. Unique meteorological factors (timing and distribution of precipitation) may 

cause actual streamflows along the modeled reach to vary from those assumed during a flood, which may lead to deviations in the water-surface elevations and inundation boundaries shown. Additional areas may be flooded due to unanticipated conditions such as: changes in the streambed elevation or roughness, backwater into major tributaries along a main stem river, or 

backwater from localized debris or ice jams. The accuracy of the floodwater extent portrayed on these maps will vary with the accuracy of the digital elevation model used to simulate the land surface. Additional uncertainties and limitations pertinent to this study are described in the document accompanying this set of flood inundation map plates.

If this series of flood-inundation maps will be used in conjunction with National Weather Service (NWS) river forecasts, the user should be aware of additional uncertainties that may be inherent or factored into NWS forecast procedures. The NWS uses forecast models to estimate the quantity and timing of water flowing through selected stream reaches in the United States. 

These forecast models (1) estimate the amount of runoff generated by precipitation and snowmelt, (2) simulate the movement of floodwater as it proceeds downstream, and (3) predict the flow and stage (water-surface elevation) for the stream at a given location (AHPS forecast point) throughout the forecast period (every 6 hours and 3 to 5 days out in many locations). For more 

information on AHPS forecasts, please see: http://water.weather.gov/ahps/pcpn_and_river_forecasting.pdf. 

DISCLAIMER

Inundated areas shown should not be used for navigation, regulatory, permitting, or other legal 

purposes. The USGS provides these maps “as-is” for a quick reference, emergency planning 

tool but assumes no legal liability or responsibility resulting from the use of this information.

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Prepared in cooperation with the

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection 

Scientific Investigations Map 3262

Sheet 5 of 8

Pamphlet accompanies map

Base from U.S. Geological Survey digital data and 

ESRI World Imagery File

North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83)

Position of boundary on this map is approximate 

and for informational purposes only.

Publishing support provided by:

West Trenton Publishing Service Center

Manuscript approved for publication June 2013

For more information concerning

this publication, contact:

Director, New Jersey Water Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey

810 Bear Tavern Road, Suite 206

West Trenton, NJ 08628

(609) 771–3900

Or visit the New Jersey Water Science Center Web site at:

http://nj.usgs.gov/ 

This report is available at: http://pubs.usgs.gov/sim/3262/. 

Any use of trade, product, or firm names is

for descriptive purposes only and does not

imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

This and other USGS information products are available at:

http://store.usgs.gov/ 

U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25286

Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225

To learn about the USGS and its information products visit

http://www.usgs.gov/ 

1–888–ASK–USGS

Suggested citation:

Watson, K.M., and Hoppe, H.L., 2013, Flood-inundation maps for the Saddle River from Upper 

Saddle River Borough to Saddle River Borough, New Jersey: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific 

Investigations Map 3262, 8 p. pamphlet, 8 sheets, http://pubs.usgs.gov/sim/3262/.

Flood-Inundation Map for the Saddle River from Upper Saddle River Borough to 

Saddle River Borough, New Jersey, Corresponding to a Gage Height of 5.0 Feet 

and an Elevation of 189.2 Feet at the U.S. Geological Survey Streamgage 01390450 

Saddle River at Upper Saddle River, New Jersey

By

Kara M. Watson and Heidi L. Hoppe 

2013

Study

area

NEW JERSEY

EXPLANATION

Flood-inundation area

Limit of study area

Flow arrow—Indicates

direction of water flow

State boundary

Township boundary

U.S. Geological Survey streamgage 

and number

State route marker

01390450

17

74°07' 6' 5' 74°04'

74°07' 6' 5' 74°04'

41°04'

3'

41°02'

41°04'

3'

41°02'

17

S a

d d l e

R i v e

r

01390450

NORTH AMERICAN VERTICAL DATUM 1988 (NAVD88)

SCALE 1:24 000

1

1

0

1000 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 FEET

0

0.5

0.5

1 MILE

1 KILOMETER

Upper Saddle

River Borough

Montvale 

Borough

Saddle River 

Borough

Woodcliff 

Lake Borough

Allendale

Borough

Upper Saddle

River Borough

Montvale 

Borough

Saddle River 

Borough

Woodcliff 

Lake Borough

Allendale

Borough

NEW YORK

NEW JERSEY

EAST ALLENDALE ROAD

G A

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N

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T

A

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P

A

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K

W

A

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G A

R

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N

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P

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W

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LAKE STREET