Last Updated: December 27, 2025
New York State's rivers and streams are experiencing significantly lower than average streamflows, signaling a trend that could impact various water-related activities and ecosystems. Key waterways such as the Delaware River, Susquehanna River, and the Genesee River are all reporting streamflows at least 60% below normal. For example, the Susquehanna River at Bainbridge is flowing at 1990 cubic feet per second (cfs), a sharp 26.84 cfs decrease in the last 24 hours, sitting at a mere 31.62% of its normal flow. Notably, the West Branch Delaware River at Hale Eddy shows a flow of 398 cfs, which is 72.37% below its average, potentially affecting whitewater conditions and habitat health. The Schoharie Creek at Gilboa experienced a dramatic surge in streamflow with an increase of 28037.25 cfs in the past day, potentially indicating flooding conditions with a current gage height of 9.46 feet. This stands in stark contrast to the general trend of low flows and may be a point of concern for nearby communities like Gilboa.
Whitewater enthusiasts and river users in areas such as the Salmon River at Pineville or the Beaver River at Croghan should also be aware of decreased flows, with the Salmon River running at 652 cfs, 49.81% below the norm, and the Beaver River at 529 cfs, 36.94% below normal levels. The Hudson River, an important watercourse for both ecological and recreational purposes, is also seeing low flows, with the Hudson River at Green Island flowing at 4190 cfs, a significant 83.34% below average, which could impact river navigation and the health of the estuary. Water enthusiasts, anglers, and ecological managers should stay informed on these trends as the season progresses to ensure safety and sustainability of water activities and riverine habitats.
New York State has a diverse hydrological landscape with significant variations in flow conditions. Major surface flows include the Hudson River, Lake Ontario, and the Great Lakes. The state's reservoirs and dams, including the Ashokan Reservoir and the Niagara Falls hydroelectric plant, play an important role in water management. The state's climate characteristics, with humid summers and cold winters, can have significant impacts on hydrological patterns. Major rivers and tributaries include the Mohawk River, the Genesee River, and the Delaware River. Snowpack and watershed data are also important factors in understanding New York's hydrology, with snowmelt contributing to springtime runoff and potentially affecting water availability during the summer months.
Residents of western New York, including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Niagara, Northern Erie, Orleans, Southern Erie, and Wyoming counties, should prepare for potential flooding as the National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a Flood Watch effective from Sunday afternoon through Monday afternoon. Areas around Buffalo, particularly along area creeks, are at the greatest risk for flooding. Excessive rainfall of 1-1.5 inches, with locally higher amounts possible, could cause rivers, creeks, and streams to overflow, leading to flooding in low-lying, flood-prone, and urban areas. Stay updated on the situation and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.
| River Run | Status | Streamflow (CFS) | Air Temp (F) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bottom (Fowlersville to Lyons Falls)
Class III+ to V- |
54.86 |