PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (NY) Ice-jam Flooding

Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2018 19:57:06 EST

Summary: Ice-jam flooding in Upstate New York

Minor flooding is occurring throughout New York as a result of 1-2 inches of rain, snowmelt, and ice jams. The ice jams are resulting in large and erratic fluctuations in stage at many USGS streamgages. The USGS streamgage Owego Cr at Owego, NY briefly reached the NWS Major Flood Category early Friday evening and recorded the 2nd highest stage on record as a result of an ice jam (1930-current). The USGS streamgage Hoosic R nr Eagle Bridge, NY reached the NWS Moderate Flood Category and about 20 USGS streamgages reached the NWS Minor Flood category. Streamflows are decreasing at many locations, although several large streams are forecast by the NWS to continue rising through early Saturday and remain near Flood stage until Sunday. The rapid snowmelt was a result of unseasonable warm temperatures throughout New York, including a few record high temperatures. Bitter cold temperatures are forecast to return Saturday.

A total of 2 USGS crews (4 staff members) from the Ithaca, NY office made several high-flow discharge measurements today for rating calibration. Two gages have been partially damaged and are scheduled to be repaired.