Rivers in New York
Genesee River at Rochester
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 24.00 ft |
| Moderate flood | 19.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 15.00 ft |
| Action | 13.00 ft |
- 24.00 ftMajor flood, Rochester flood walls topped. Major and extensive flooding with damages in residential and commercial areas south of downtown and south suburbs. Evacuations possible. Flow = 55000 cfs.
- 23.00 ftCanal locks topped at 23 feet
- 19.00 ftModerate flood, more widespread flooding southern suburbs. Areas above upper falls start to flood, including Bausch and Lomb and Barnard Simmons Plants. Flow 33000 cfs.
- 15.00 ftFlood stage, minor flood, some residential flooding begins in southern suburbs, mile 12-18 in Henrietta and Chili. Flow 20000 cfs.
Flood outlook
Chance of flooding, September to November
| Category | Chance |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | Under 5% |
| 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
29 crests on NOAA’s list since 1865.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 18, 1865 | 24.50 ft |
| 2 | March 31, 1916 | 23.00 ft |
| 3 | April 4, 1896 | 20.20 ft |
| 4 | April 2, 1940 | 19.08 ft |
| 5 | March 19, 1942 | 18.96 ft |
| 6 | March 30, 1950 | 18.59 ft |
| 7 | December 2, 1927 | 18.50 ft |
| 8 | June 25, 1972 | 17.89 ft |
| 9 | April 25, 1984 | 17.55 ft |
| 10 | March 28, 1936 | 17.50 ft |
| 11 | October 1, 1924 | 17.40 ft |
| 12 | February 13, 1925 | 17.38 ft |
| 13 | March 31, 1960 | 16.91 ft |
| 14 | March 8, 1956 | 16.87 ft |
| 15 | January 10, 1998 | 16.80 ft |
| 16 | April 23, 1929 | 16.57 ft |
| 17 | March 24, 1980 | 16.49 ft |
| 18 | January 1, 1943 | 16.36 ft |
| 19 | March 15, 1982 | 16.19 ft |
| 20 | March 24, 1945 | 16.17 ft |
| 21 | January 23, 1935 | 16.04 ft |
| 22 | April 8, 1947 | 16.03 ft |
| 23 | March 5, 1976 | 15.96 ft |
| 24 | March 14, 1936 | 15.90 ft |
| 25 | March 18, 1963 | 15.69 ft |
Most recent crests
- November 7, 2017: 14.17 ft
- January 10, 1998: 16.80 ft
- April 2, 1993: 15.54 ft
- May 11, 1989: 15.22 ft
- April 25, 1984: 17.55 ft
- March 15, 1982: 16.19 ft
- March 24, 1980: 16.49 ft
- March 5, 1976: 15.96 ft
- June 25, 1972: 17.89 ft
- March 18, 1963: 15.69 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. Gauge readings received once daily during low-water and more frequently during high water. Gauge readings are temporarily unavailable.
Sources
Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service.