3/1/2024
WT Staff
HAPPENING NOW
Onondaga, Madison digging out from under the lake effect snow dump
Streamflows return to normal in Niagara River-Lake Erie watershed
Water news for Friday, March 1, 2024 924 am EST
Lake effect delivers a foot of snow
The National Weather Service warned of a heavy lake effect snowfall to hit Onondaga and Madison Counties Thursday with up to 2 inches of snow per hour and snow accumulations of 6 to 15 inches along and north of the NY State Thruway. Even more snow, 2 to 5 inches more was anticipated to accumulate south of the NYS Thruway, with winds gusting to 35 mph. We posted the travel warning here, difficult travel conditions with reduced visibility impacting morning and evening commutes. Most importantly, the reminder to keep emergency supplies, food water and blankets in your vehicle. Emergency response vehicles face the same impasse as everyone else, making these events so challenging, drivers in such conditions must be prepared to shelter in place until the event passes and roads can be cleared.
In the aftermath of this storm, reports of school closures and snowball fights are welcome, we hope everyone made out alright.
Streamflow Situation from USGS current streamflow monitors in NYS
USGS Waterwatch is back up and running Friday. The Niagara River - Lake Erie watershed tributaries are back to seasonal normal flows with just one, Tonawanda Creek reporting below normal values. Much above normal flows are reported in the Black River watershed Friday. The northeast, central, south and west basins are predominantly seasonal normal, according to the provisional data from the real-time streamflow sensors in NYS waterways. See USGS Provisional Data statement below.
Tracking with the United States Geological Survey USGS Water Science Center
Advancements in remote sensing technology for water flow volume and depth is changing the way we receive water information. Local emergency response, the National Weather Service, National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration, US Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, private industry, media and the public have access to high level information about flood, drought, wildfire risk thanks to the combination of developments continually expanding and improving sensors, remote broadcasting, satellite imaging technology and data processing capacity.
WaterToday Media Group brings a synopsis of the daily streamflows and drought map for New York State, based on provisional data from the network managed by USGS Water Science Center. The provisional data statement is given below, this work is for information purposes and should be verified with local observation to determine safety measures or significant investments.
Check the black tags on the map for updated flood flows, blue tags for extreme high flows not yet flooding.
Drought Map USGS 7-day average streamflow against seasonal average
Niagara River - Lake Erie watershed area in Erie County has backed away from the drought map Friday leaving a fringe along the Niagara-Erie County line. Adjacent Lower Genesee River watershed remains at the below normal rating.
Oswegatchie River channel is stepped down to the below normal rating following a stint at moderate drought earlier this week.
Hazardous Spills as reported to NY Department of Environmental Protection Report a Spill - 1-800-457-7362
A FOIL request has been made about a spill in Vernon reported by local media on December 22 that did not and does not appear in the open data spill incident reporting database for December 22. More to follow as we learn what happened to that record, and investigate further if there are other records not appearing in the public access spill database.
A retention pond in Painted Post received firefighting overflow from a car fire last week Thursday. The incident occurred off Addison Rd near Interstate 99. Inquiry has been made for more information on the volume and characteristics of the outfall, whether escape to Tioga River occurred. Outfall from vehicle fires can contain numerous hazardous materials known to be harmful to the aquatic environment. NY DEC is processing the FOIL request, the response will be posted here as it is received.
USGS Provisional Data Statement
Data are provisional and subject to revision until they have been thoroughly reviewed and received final approval. Current condition data relayed by satellite or other telemetry are automatically screened to not display improbable values until they can be verified.
Provisional data may be inaccurate due to instrument malfunctions or physical changes at the measurement site. Subsequent review based on field inspections and measurements may result in significant revisions to the data.
Data users are cautioned to consider carefully the provisional nature of the information before using it for decisions that concern personal or public safety or the conduct of business that involves substantial monetary or operational consequences. Information concerning the accuracy and appropriate uses of these data or concerning other hydrologic data may be obtained from the USGS.
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