CANISTEO RIVER

River flows across 3 streamgages of the Canisteo River

Last Updated: November 8, 2025


Total streamflow across the Canisteo River was last observed at 101 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 200 acre-ft of water today; about 21% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 478 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2021-08-19 when daily discharge volume was observed at 13,146 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Canisteo River At West Cameron Ny reporting a streamflow rate of 64.7 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Canisteo River, with a gauge stage of 3.72 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Canisteo River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,309 ft, the Canisteo River At Arkport Ny.

Last Updated 2025-11-08
Discharge Volume 200 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 100.7 cfs
+0.59 cfs (+0.59%)
Percent of Normal 21.05%
Maximum 13,146.0 cfs
2021-08-19
Seasonal Avg cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Canisteo River At Arkport Ny
USGS 01521500
10 cfs 0.85 ft 6.27
Canisteo R Below Canacadea Cr @ Hornell Ny
USGS 01524500
26 cfs 0.6 ft 0
Canisteo River At West Cameron Ny
USGS 01525500
65 cfs 3.72 ft 0
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The Canisteo River is a 76-mile-long river located in western New York State. The river flows through the counties of Steuben and Allegany and eventually empties into the Cohocton River. Historically, the river played an important role in the development of the region's timber and agriculture industries. The river is fed by several tributaries and has a watershed area of about 589 square miles. Two major reservoirs, the Canisteo Reservoir and the Greenwood Lake, have been constructed on the river to provide water supply and flood control. The river is also used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. Agriculture is another significant industry in the Canisteo River watershed, with dairy farming being the most common agricultural activity.