TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE
Total streamflow across the
Cowanesque River
was last observed at
453
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
898
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
2,127 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2021-08-19 when daily discharge volume was observed at
34,470 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Cowanesque River At Elkland
reporting a streamflow rate of 275 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Cowanesque River, with a gauge stage of
17.09 ft at this location.
This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Cowanesque River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,338 ft, the
Cowanesque River At Westfield.
The Cowanesque River is a 47-mile-long tributary of the Tioga River in Pennsylvania and New York. It flows through the cities of Westfield, Knoxville, and Lawrenceville. The river is named after the Cowanesque Native American tribe that inhabited the area in the past. The Cowanesque River is known for its hydroelectric power generation, with three hydroelectric dams and reservoirs along its course, namely the Cowanesque Lake, Hammond Lake, and Tioga-Hammond Lakes. These reservoirs and dams help regulate the river's flow and provide flood control. The Cowanesque River is also a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and camping. The surrounding lands are utilized for agriculture, including dairy farming, crop cultivation, and grazing.
| Last Updated | 2024-12-25 |
| Discharge Volume | 898 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
452.6 cfs
-81.4 cfs (-15.24%) |
| Percent of Normal | 21.28% |
| Maximum |
34,470.0 cfs
2021-08-19 |
| Seasonal Avg | 2,127 cfs |
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cowanesque River At Westfield
USGS 01518862 |
68 cfs | 0.46 ft | -6.24 | |||||
|
Cowanesque River At Elkland
USGS 01519200 |
275 cfs | 17.09 ft | -26.86 | |||||
|
Cowanesque River Near Lawrenceville
USGS 01520000 |
110 cfs | 7.55 ft | 28.06 |
History of the River
The Cowanesque River is a 41.4-mile-long (66.6 km) tributary of the Tioga River in Potter and Tioga counties, Pennsylvania, and Steuben County, New York, in the United States. It joins the Tioga River soon after crossing from Pennsylvania into New York, near the borough of Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania.The name of the Cowanesque River is of Native American origin, derived either from Go-wan-is-que ("briary or thorn bushy"), or from Ka-hwe-nes-ka ("on the long island").In Tioga County, the Cowanesque Dam was constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1980. The dam created Cowanesque Lake, which helps prevent flooding within the valley. The 1,085-acre (4.39 km2) lake also facilitates various forms of recreation; the Tompkins Recreation Area and Campground is located along the lake's north shore, and the south shore hosts two day-use areas.