Can you swim here today?
Gunpowder Falls State Park Hammerman Area
Middle River, Maryland · State park
Cold water — serious cold-shock risk today
Cold waterAs of October 20, 2026, the water temperature at Gunpowder Falls State Park Hammerman Area is 53°F (12°C), measured by USGS gauge 01585075, 3.3 miles away.
Cold water — serious cold-shock risk today: water temperature is 53°F, cold enough to cause cold-water shock on sudden immersion.
- Water temperature is 53°F, cold enough to cause cold-water shock on sudden immersion. — USGS gauge 01585075, as of Oct 20, 2:35 AM gauge-local time
- Flow is above the 75th percentile for Oct 20 (median 0 ft³/s over 11 years); fast water is the top river-drowning risk. — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Oct 20, 2:35 AM gauge-local time
Flow is high for this date — above the 75th percentile for Oct 20 (median 0 ft³/s over 11 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for Maryland yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge FOSTER BRANCH NEAR JOPPATOWNE, MD (3.3 mi away), as of Oct 20, 2:35 AM gauge-local time.
Before you get in
- Never swim alone — and keep weaker swimmers within arm's reach.
- Scout depth and entry/exit points before you get in.
- Read the current: avoid fast, rising, or murky water.
- Check the forecast — get out well before storms or lightning.
- Obey posted signs, flags, and lifeguard guidance.
Read next
Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly. Always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories and local guidance before swimming or paddling.