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Chemung River at Elmira, NY (CHEN6)

Data Type




Inundation Levels
NAVD88 Stage

864.2*31.1*
860.2*27.1*
859.3*26.2*
858.3*25.2*
Record Crest: 25.2 ft
856.423.3
854.221.1
853.320.2
Major Flooding Begins

852.119.0
851.618.5
850.417.3
849.015.9
Moderate Flooding Begins

848.115.0
846.913.8
845.912.8
Minor Flooding Begins

845.112.0
843.910.8
Near Flooding Begins

843.110.0
841.68.5
Below Flooding Begins

* = Extended rating
Weather Forecast Office Binghamton, NY Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center
Hydrograph River at a Glance Download Inundation
Mapping
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Click on mapped inundation to see water depth values for that location, or hold shift and drag to zoom to area.

Current Stage:
2.0 ft at 04/30/2024 01:30:00 UTC
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Inundation Legend
Depth in feet
USGS Gauge Location Gauge Location
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Latitude/Longitude Disclaimer: The gauge location shown in the above map is the approximate location based on the latitude/longitude coordinates provided to the NWS by the gauge owner.

Gauge Information Collapse

Map Overlays
Flood Categories (in feet)
Major Flood Stage: 19
Moderate Flood Stage: 15
Flood Stage: 12
Action Stage: 10
Low Stage (in feet): -9999

Historic Crests
(1) 25.20 ft on 06/23/1972
(2) 21.20 ft on 05/28/1946
(3) 19.70 ft on 09/26/1975
(4) 18.51 ft on 01/19/1996
(5) 18.30 ft on 07/09/1935
Show More Historic Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Recent Crests
(1) 13.40 ft on 10/30/2021
(2) 12.49 ft on 08/19/2021
(3) 12.16 ft on 05/16/2014
(4) 12.19 ft on 09/03/2006
(5) 12.47 ft on 11/30/2005
Show More Recent Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Low Water Records
(1) 0.79 ft on 10/16/2016

Graphical representation of flood inundation for NWS flood categories are based on steady state hydraulic modeling of water surface elevations for incremented discharges. Map shows approximate inundation areas for given water surface elevations and should not be used for navigation or permitting or other legal purposes, but strictly as a planning reference tool.

Site-specific information:

The purpose of a flood forecast inundation map is to communicate flood risk based on best available information at the time of map development. This flood forecast inundation map has been compiled using the best information available and is believed to be accurate; however, its preparation required many assumptions. Actual conditions during a flood event may vary from those modeled in the map, including erosion and sedimentation. The limits of flooding shown should only be used as a guideline for emergency planning and response actions. Actual areas inundated will depend on specific flooding conditions.

The risk of flooding behind flood risk management (FRM) structures (such as levees, floodwalls, closures, etc.) depends on many factors that cannot be entirely predicted in advance. These factors include whether the FRM structure overtops, length of time the structure overtops, and whether the overtopping leads to breach formation.

The mapping is based on ground elevation data from: FEMA Chemung Watershed 2011; PASDA North 2008; County Chemung Watershed 2005; and County Chemung Watershed 2002

Flood Risk Management Structures (red lines) – Shows levee and floodwall systems that reduce the flood risk.  The area behind the FRM structures is not shown as being flooded until the structure is over-topped.

Flood Risk Management Risk Area (yellow shaded area) - Shows the area with flood risk reduced by the flood risk management structures

Modeled Flood Extent- 1972 Tropical Storm Agnes (white shaded area/depth grid layer) - Shows a modelled flood inundation based on the peak TS Agnes river flow. This does not show the actual area flooded during TS Agnes.  (See project report for more details.)

Note:  Dams upstream in the Tioga River Watershed provide some flood mitigation.  Inundation maps would not be representative in the case of a dam breach.   

Note:   Depths shown are only accurate for the land/overbank areas and not within the stream channel itself.

Note: Map layers represent the inundation of the lowest elevation of intersecting road surfaces. Elevated roadways may remain free of inundation.

If you have questions related to the flood risk management/levee projects within NYS contact the NYSDEC Bureau of Flood Protection and Dam Safety at (518) 402-8185.

The National Levee Database can be accessed here.

The project report can be found here.

Extended rating:
The Rating Curve Extension is calculated by using either a linear, logarithmic, or hydraulic technique to extend the rating curve above the currently established relationship between stage and flow.
Flood Impacts Collapse
If you notice any errors in the below information, please contact our Webmaster
25.2 Devastating flood damage occurs throughout the City of Elmira and surrounding areas. Public utilities, transportation, and communications are severely disrupted. This is the record flood from June 1972.
25 Water overtops the north bank of the levee system resulting in widespread flooding of downtown Elmira.
23 The Carriage Estates neighborhood and Farm Lane in Ashland flood. Flooding extends to 3rd Street in Wellsburg. The City of Elmira is protected by levees to 25 feet.
20 Neighborhoods south of Water Street in West Elmira experience extensive flooding. Properties along West Hudson Street at Morrowfield, Bonaview, and Homewood Avenues in the Town of Southport flood. The City of Elmira is protected by levees to 25 feet.
19 Most of Big Flats is inundated. Streets between York Avenue and Morningside Drive in West Elmira begin flooding. Homes at the lower end of Morningside and Country Club Drive are flooded to the first floor. Routes 225 and 352 are closed at Fitch's Bridge. Flooding worsens along Lower Maple Avenue from Southport to Wellsburg. The City of Elmira is protected by levees to 25 feet.
15 The Hamlet of Big Flats begins to flood. Water may also affect streets nearest the river from Golden Glow Heights through West Elmira. Flooding extends into the Town of Soutport affecting neighborhoods along Maple Avenue. Front Street in Wellsburg floods. The City of Elmira is protected by levees to 25 feet.
12 Minor flooding develops outside the area of levees and flood protection. Portions of Lower Maple Avenue (Route 427) in the Town of Ashland may be closed. The Lowman Crossover floods. Route 352 in Big Flats floods. The City of Elmira is protected by levees to 25 feet.
Photos
(1) looking upstream
(2) view of gagehouse
(3) looking downstream
Other Data Sources Collapse
Additional Information Collapse
Potential River Levels - Used to
Potential River Levels
Used to Estimate the Chance of Flooding and the Range of Possible River Levels
10 Day (HEFS) 7 Day (NAEFS) 7 Day (GEFS)
HEFS Ensemble NAEFS Ensemble GEFS Ensemble

Note: Use the official hydrograph at the top of this web page for river levels within the next 72 hours.

Click individual graphics to enlarge.
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Graphical representation of flood inundation for NWS flood categories are based on steady state hydraulic modeling of water surface elevations for incremented discharges. Map shows approximate inundation areas for given water surface elevations and should not be used for navigation or permitting or other legal purposes, but strictly as a planning reference tool.