Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda flow report
As of July 15, 2026, Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda is flowing at 138 cfs with a gage height of 1.22 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #04213500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda at a glance
How Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda is flowing at 138 cfs, with the water sitting 1.22 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #04213500 in New York. Over the past 10 days the average has been 169 cfs, peaking at 191 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 #04213500).
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, Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda Ny is expected to hold near today's 138 cfs, toward roughly 144 cfs by 2026-07-20 (likely range 61-340 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.
| 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.
Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda
The creek has several tributaries, including Clear Creek and South Branch Cattaraugus Creek, and is regulated by the Springville Dam. Seasonally, the creek experiences high flows in the spring due to snowmelt and rainfall, while low flows occur in the summer and fall. Interesting facts about the hydrology of the creek include its designation as a Wild and Scenic River, which supports a diverse range of fish species, including lake sturgeon, steelhead, and brown trout. Additionally, the creek is a popular destination for kayaking and whitewater rafting enthusiasts.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda Ny | 138 cfs |
| Allegheny River At Salamanca Ny | 490 cfs |
| Cazenovia Creek At Ebenezer Ny | 22 cfs |
| Chadakoin River At Falconer Ny | 65 cfs |
| Buffalo Creek At Gardenville Ny | 24 cfs |
| Cayuga Creek Nr Lancaster Ny | 5 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda. 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 |
|---|---|
| Cattaraugus 3w | 0 in |
| Silver Creek | 0 in |
| Little Valley | 0 in |
| Footes - Concord Snow | 8 in |
| Colden | 0 in |
| Colden 1.4 Nnw | 0 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 Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda
Where does the streamflow data for Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 04213500. 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 Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda 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 Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda report
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