Ellicott Creek Below Williamsville Flow Report
As of July 22, 2026, Ellicott Creek Below Williamsville is flowing at 89 cfs with a gage height of 2.27 ft, rising 73% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #04218518, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Ellicott Creek Below Williamsville at a glance
How Ellicott Creek Below Williamsville is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Ellicott Creek Below Williamsville is flowing at 89 cfs, with the water sitting 2.27 ft at the gage. Flow is up 73% since yesterday — a rising hydrograph.
This is USGS gauge #04218518 in New York. Over the past 10 days the average has been 60 cfs, peaking at 89 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.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #04218518).
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.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Ellicott Creek Below Williamsville Ny is expected to recede from today's 51 cfs, toward roughly 41 cfs by 2026-07-26 (likely range 19-88 cfs) -- drier than normal for the date.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
| Date | Expected (p50) | Likely range (p25–p75) | vs normal | Projected stage |
|---|
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.
Ellicott Creek Below Williamsville
The constituents of the flow are primarily stormwater runoff and snowmelt from the surrounding urban and suburban areas. The creek is fed by several tributaries, including Ellicott Creek Park and Ransom Creek, and is regulated by the Tonawanda Creek dam. Seasonally, the flow can vary widely due to precipitation and snowmelt. Interesting facts about the hydrology of the creek include its historical use for transportation and power generation, as well as its current importance for recreation and wildlife habitat. The gauge provides important data for monitoring the health of the creek and managing its resources.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Ellicott Creek Below Williamsville's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Ellicott Creek Below Williamsville Ny | 51 cfs |
| Buffalo Creek At Gardenville Ny | 14 cfs |
| Cayuga Creek Nr Lancaster Ny | 5 cfs |
| Tonawanda Creek At Rapids Ny | 71 cfs |
| Cazenovia Creek At Ebenezer Ny | 24 cfs |
| Tonawanda Creek At Attica Ny | 9 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Ellicott Creek Below Williamsville. 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 |
|---|---|
| Cheektowaga 2.4 Nw | 0 in |
| Buffalo | 0 in |
| Greater Buffalo International Airport | 2 in |
| Amherst 5.4 Nne | 0 in |
| Kenmore 0.3 Ese | 0 in |
| Tonawanda 1.5 Nne | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Ellicott Creek Below Williamsville.
Boat launches
See all →
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 Ellicott Creek Below Williamsville in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Ellicott Creek Below Williamsville crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Ellicott Creek Below Williamsville
Where does the streamflow data for Ellicott Creek Below Williamsville come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 04218518. 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 Ellicott Creek Below Williamsville 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.
Access the free Ellicott Creek Below Williamsville report
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