Rivers in New York
Cayuga Creek at Lancaster
Below flood stage
2.71ftStage
Observed Wed, Sep 23, 6:30 AM EDT
- Flood stage
- 8.00 ft
- Forecast crest
- 2.70 ftWed, Sep 23, 8:00 AM EDT
- Record crest
- 13.35 ft1999
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 12.00 ft |
| Moderate flood | 10.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 8.00 ft |
| Action | 6.00 ft |
- 12.00 ftMajor flood, protective dikes in town of Lancaster are topped. Major damages to commercial and residential areas in village of Lancaster. Widespread flooding in Alden, Marilla, and Cheektowaga, especially near Bowen Road, Transit Road, and Union Road including Williamstowne apartments.
- 10.00 ftModerate flood, flooding of backyards, basements and streets in Village of Lancaster. Some flooding of low lying areas in Alden, Marilla, and Cheektowaga, especially near Bowen Road and Transit Road. Some flooding possible near Union Road too.
- 8.00 ftFlood stage, minor flooding in lowlying areas of Lancaster and Alden.
- 6.00 ftAction stage, high flows. No flooding.
Flood outlook
Chance of flooding, September to November
| Category | Chance |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 6% |
| Moderate flooding | Under 5% |
| Major flooding | Under 5% |
The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 21, 2026.
Crest history
39 crests on NOAA’s list since 1939.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 23, 1999 | 13.35 ft |
| 2 | March 9, 1942 | 12.36 ft |
| 3 | March 24, 1941 | 12.00 ft |
| 4 | March 21, 1978 | 11.74 ft |
| 5 | February 19, 1948 | 11.65 ft |
| 6 | July 13, 2017 | 11.06 ft |
| 7 | March 3, 1945 | 11.01 ft |
| 8 | February 27, 1944 | 10.76 ft |
| 9 | January 27, 1962 | 10.60 ft |
| 10 | September 14, 1979 | 10.48 ft |
| 11 | July 8, 1998 | 10.23 ft |
| 12 | June 23, 1972 | 10.09 ft |
| 13 | January 22, 1959 | 10.09 ft |
| 14 | September 25, 1977 | 10.08 ft |
| 15 | March 7, 1956 | 10.06 ft |
| 16 | March 14, 1982 | 9.80 ft |
| 17 | April 1, 2026 | 9.73 ft |
| 18 | September 9, 2004 | 9.61 ft |
| 19 | January 19, 1996 | 9.40 ft |
| 20 | June 22, 1987 | 9.34 ft |
| 21 | March 8, 2009 | 9.32 ft |
| 22 | February 23, 1985 | 9.31 ft |
| 23 | March 8, 2009 | 9.31 ft |
| 24 | November 24, 2014 | 9.29 ft |
| 25 | December 27, 2008 | 9.23 ft |
Most recent crests
- April 1, 2026: 9.73 ft
- February 18, 2022: 8.43 ft
- July 13, 2017: 11.06 ft
- April 21, 2017: 8.44 ft
- November 24, 2014: 9.29 ft
- June 13, 2013: 8.50 ft
- April 26, 2011: 8.18 ft
- January 25, 2010: 8.26 ft
- March 8, 2009: 9.31 ft
- March 8, 2009: 9.32 ft
Nearby
Upstream, downstream and the gauges around this one.
What this means
Forecasts by the Northeast River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued routinely year-round. Impact statements listed below may not be representative during times of ice jam flooding. Gauge reading may be affected by ice. Forecast flows are unadjusted for ice.
Sources
Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service. Streamflow and the daily record from the U.S. Geological Survey.