Chemung River At Elmira Flow Report
As of August 30, 2026, Chemung River At Elmira is flowing at 231 cfs with a gage height of 0.98 ft, receding 12% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #01530332, refreshed throughout the day.
Chemung River At Elmira at a glance
Live reading, 10-day trend, and the key gauge stats — how Chemung River At Elmira is running right now.
Chemung River At Elmira is flowing at 231 cfs, with the water sitting 0.98 ft at the gage. Flow is down 12% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #01530332 in New York. Over the past 10 days the average has been 310 cfs, peaking at 412 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the New York flow report, or open Chemung River At Elmira on the interactive map.
Streamgage details
Historical Data
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Chemung River At Elmira Ny is expected to recede from today's 263 cfs, toward roughly 229 cfs by 2026-09-03 (likely range 101-518 cfs) -- running well below the seasonal normal.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
Forecast vs seasonal normal
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #01530332).
Flow-duration & observed peak context
Estimate flows at an ungauged site
Drainage-area ratio transfer from this gauge . Most reliable for hydrologically similar sites in the same watershed with area ratios between roughly 0.5 and 1.5.
Percentiles are flow-duration values computed from this gauge’s observed daily record as archived by Snoflo. Return periods are Weibull plotting-position estimates from observed annual maxima, provided as general reference context only. Always verify against official USGS NWIS records. Part of Snoflo for Engineering.
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year overlay, annual peak discharge, the full distribution of daily flows on record, and the gauge's rating curve.
Weather Forecast
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Chemung River At Elmira
The river is fed by several tributaries and contributes to the Susquehanna River watershed. The upstream dams, including the Elmira Water Board Dam, can have an impact on the river's flow. The river experiences seasonal trends, with higher flows in the spring due to snowmelt and precipitation. Interesting facts about the river include its historical significance, as it played a role in the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. Today, the river is used for recreational activities such as kayaking and fishing.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Chemung River At Elmira's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Chemung River At Elmira Ny | 231 cfs |
| Chemung River At Chemung Ny | 335 cfs |
| Chemung River At Corning Ny | 142 cfs |
| Susquehanna River Near Waverly Ny | 5,750 cfs |
| Tioga River Near Erwins Ny | 134 cfs |
| Nb Sugar Creek Tributary Near Columbia Cross Roads | 0 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Chemung River At Elmira. Spring snowmelt is the dominant driver of streamflow in mountain basins -- a deep snowpack upstream means more runoff later in the season.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Elmira | 0 in |
| Corning | 0 in |
| Newfield Hamlet 4.3 S | 0 in |
| Cowanesque Dam | 0 in |
| Addison | 0 in |
| Mecklenburg 4 Sw | 2 in |
River levels & flood safety
- Read the level before you go
- A river that's runnable at one flow can be deadly at another. Check current discharge and gage height — like the values shown above — against the flood-stage thresholds, and remember levels can spike fast after rain or a dam release.
- Respect cold water
- Snowmelt rivers run cold even in summer. Sudden immersion triggers cold-water shock and saps strength within minutes. Wear a PFD, dress for the water temperature (not the air), and never wade or paddle alone.
- Watch for swiftwater hazards
- Strainers (downed trees), undercut rocks, and low-head dams are the deadliest features on moving water. High, fast, muddy water hides them. If in doubt, scout from shore and portage.
- Mind flash floods & releases
- Narrow canyons can flood from a storm miles upstream, and dam-controlled reaches can rise without warning. Know the forecast, the release schedule, and your exit before you launch.
Track Chemung River At Elmira in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Chemung River At Elmira crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Chemung River At Elmira
What is the Chemung River At Elmira flow rate right now?
As of August 30, 2026, Chemung River At Elmira is flowing at 231 cfs. The live value, gage height, and 24-hour trend are shown at the top of this page.
Is the Chemung River At Elmira running high or low right now?
Check the percent of median figure on this page: above 100% means Chemung River At Elmira is running higher than normal for the date, below 100% means lower. The 24-hour trend shows whether it's rising or falling.
Where does the streamflow data for Chemung River At Elmira come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 01530332. Snoflo refreshes the time series throughout the day. Forecasts come from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
USGS gauges report continuously (typically every 15 minutes). Snoflo pulls fresh values throughout the day — look for the "as of" timestamp on the streamflow hero card.
What's the difference between discharge and gage height?
Discharge (cubic feet per second, or cfs) is the volume of water flowing past the gauge each second. Gage height is how high the water sits at the gauge (feet). They're related by a rating curve specific to each gauge — higher water means more flow, but the exact ratio depends on channel shape.
How is "percent of median" calculated?
Today's discharge is compared to the historical median discharge on this calendar day across the gauge's full record. 100% = right on median; 200% = a very high year; 30% = a drought-level low.
What are flood stages, and is this river safe right now?
Flood stages are NWS-defined gage-height thresholds — Action, Minor, Moderate, Major — marking when nearby roads or floodplains start to be affected. "Safe" depends on your activity and skill: a level that's a fun paddle for an expert can be lethal for a wader. Always check the current level against the thresholds above and the safety links, and when in doubt, stay off the water.
Can I get alerts when Chemung River At Elmira rises?
Yes — flow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this gauge, set a streamflow threshold (e.g. "alert me when discharge crosses 5,000 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
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Get the free Chemung River At Elmira report — flow alerts, favorites, and history & forecasts, plus the free iPhone app.