Seneca Lake at Geneva
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 447.5 ft; minor flooding begins at 448.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 448.5 ft; major flooding begins at 449.0 ft.
| Action stage | 447.5 ft |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 448.0 ft |
| Moderate flooding | 448.5 ft |
| Major flooding | 449.0 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 448.9 ft on Apr 26, 1993 (historic crest)
- 448.9 ft on Jun 25, 1972 (historic crest)
- 447.0 ft on Oct 31, 2021 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 447.5 ft | The lake level is high enough to lift and damage docks and cause shoreline erosion, especially during times of light to moderate wind driven wave action. No-wake boater restrictions are possible. |
|---|---|
| 448.0 ft | The lake at this level will flood normally dry areas along the shoreline which may include the flooding of paths or roads nearest the shore. Docks may be lifted and destroyed by moderate wind wave conditions. Seawalls may also be damaged by wave action. Boating restrictions are possible. |
| 448.5 ft | Moderate flooding develops. Water would inundate at least 50 percent of the properties along the shore. Some residential and commercial structures would be affected. Travel near and around the lake would become extremely difficult. Damage to seawalls and docks would occur on days with moderate winds. Boating restrictions are likely. |
| 448.9 ft | This is the high water level from the June 25, 1972 Hurricane Agnes flood. |
| 448.9 ft | This is the record high level set on April 26, 1993 after the much above normal winter snow season and Spring rainfall. |
| 449.0 ft | Major flooding occurs. Water would inundate most properties along the shore, likely reaching residential and commercial structures in some areas. Travel near and around the lake would become nearly impossible. Severe erosion and damage to seawalls and docks is to be expected during days with strong winds. Boating is likely to be forbidden. |
| 449.9 ft | This is the approximate level of the 1% annual chance flood, otherwise known as the 100-year flood. Widespread flooding would bring catastrophic damage to properties along most of the lake shore. |
Forecast office: NWS Johnson City · River Forecast Center: Northeast River Forecast Center.
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Nearby stations and gauges
- Flint Creek near Phelps NWS gauge · 8.9 mi
- Seneca River near Seneca Falls NWS gauge · 10.3 mi
- Cayuga Lake at Mud Lock NWS gauge · 11.9 mi
- Seneca River at Free Bridge NWS gauge · 12.2 mi
- Keuka Outlet at Dresden NWS gauge · 12.7 mi
- Clyde River at Mays Point Lock E-25 NWS gauge · 12.7 mi