Major Flood
14 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
12 ft
Minor Flood
10 ft
Action Stage
8 ft
What Floods at Each Level
14 ft
Major flood, heavy commercial, industrial, and residential damages in Watertown, Carthage, and Dexter. Flooding on Huntington Street and River Street in Watertown.
12 ft
Moderate flood, widespread farmland flooding in the Flats. Numerous road closures in Castorland, Denmark, Lowville, and Carthage. Some residential properties flooded in the Flats.
10 ft
Flood stage, farmland flooding begins in the Flats with some roads flooded. Minor damages to riverfront commercial properties in Dexter.
8 ft
Action stage, minor agricultural flooding in the Flats area near Castorland and Croghan.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 9, 1998 | 16.02 ft | 55,500 cfs |
| Apr 11, 1993 | 14.2 ft | 42,600 cfs |
| Apr 16, 2014 | 13.81 ft | 42,500 cfs |
About This Gauge
Get Flood Alerts for Black River
StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Black River at Watertown?
The Black River at Watertown gauge is maintained by USGS (site 04260500) and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Black River at Watertown?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Black River at Watertown is 10 feet. Action stage begins at 8 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 12 feet, and major flooding at 14 feet.
How do I get alerts when Black River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Black River at Watertown to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category.
Where is the Black River at Watertown gauge located?
The gauge is located in Jefferson County, New York at coordinates 43.9858°N, 75.9246°W. USGS site number: 04260500. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Black River
On This River
Upstream: Black River at Boonville
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- Impact statements listed below may not be representative during times of ice jam flooding.
- Stage may be affected by ice during winter months.