Flood potential for Juniata, Conemaugh and Youghiogheny river basins; nondisclosure issues

Last month I commented on the potential for spring flooding following the heavy snow experienced by Pennsylvanians this winter, especially in Western Pennsylvania. I presented this issue in the context of the real estate issues that arise as a result of flooding, especially disclosure issues.

While it appears that the worst case scenario will not happen, NOAA has now forecast a potential hazard for later in the week near smaller waterways in Western and Central Pennsylvania:

RAINFALL TOTALS OF UP TO 2 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE OVER A 48 TO 72 HOUR PERIOD FROM LATE THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY. THE COMBINED SNOWMELT AND RAINFALL COULD CAUSE SOME STREAMS AND CREEKS TO RISETO NEAR BANK FULL...ESPECIALLY THOSE RUNNING THROUGH THE JUNIATA...CONEMAUGH...AND YOUGHIOGHENY RIVER BASINS OF SOUTHCENTRAL AND SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA. WATER EQUIVALENTS OF 2 TO 3 INCHES STILL EXIST IN THE DENSE SNOW PACK ACROSS THEWATERSHED AREAS OF THESE RIVERS.

This news will most likely affect the average person, if at all, only in purchasing low-lying real estate near those rivers (and the creeks that feed them). Any flood damage will likely be limited to standing water closer than normal to structures (or possibly basement seepage).

Such damage will probably no longer be visible in a week or so, but the disclosure of such an event will be important for any future transactions. If you think you might purchase affected property at any time in the future, visit these areas this weekend and note the general water levels. Ask specifically about this event when the time comes to purchase any such property. Compare the answers with your own observations from this coming weekend.

Juniata River and tributaries (from Wikimedia)

















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Update - 3-14-10 Click here for the story of the actual minor flood events in Cumberland, Perry and Franklin Counties.