PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (NY) Much-below normal streamflow in New York

Date: Fri, 25 Sep 2020 16:51:40 EDT

Summary: Much-below normal streamflow in New York

The 7-day average streamflow of more than 300 streamgages in New York is less than the 5th percentile. Statewide, streamflows have been below normal most of the Summer, and decreased significantly during the past two weeks as a result of little to no rainfall. The provisional 7-day average discharge of 130 cfs at Oswegatchie River near Heuvelton, NY (04263000), located in the Adirondack Region, is the lowest 7-day average discharge of record (1916-current). The Heuvelton, NY station also established a provisional record low instantaneous discharge of 95-cfs on Sept 19, 2020, previously established in 1991. A Drought Watch is currently in effective for five of eight New York State Drought Regions: Adirondack, Mohawk/Upper Hudson, Great Lakes, Southern Tier, and Long Island. The Drought Watch may be expanded into other regions of the State or upgraded to a Drought Warning if significant, widespread rainfall does not occur. There are no statewide mandatory water restrictions at this time. The NWS forecast for next week indicates 1–2 of rain across eastern New York as a cold front ushers in a much cooler airmass.

A total of 5 USGS personnel from the Ithaca, Milford, Potsdam, and Troy offices made about 30 low-flow discharge measurements this week for rating calibrations and rating extensions. A temporary repair was made at one gage to maintain connection to the stream channel. All USGS gages are currently operating. Additional low-flow measurements are planned next week if streamflows continue to decrease.

WaterWatch 7-day average streamflow for Oswegatchie R nr Heuvelton
WaterWatch 7-day Flow Conditions Summary