Lake levels
Owasco Lake, NY
- water level
- 712.17 ft
- Condition
- Above average for this time of year
- 7-day change
- -0.08 ft
- 30-day change
- -0.52 ft
- 1-year change
- +0.76 ft
Reading as of 2026-10-12 | the U.S. Geological Survey
- Since yesterday
- +0.00 ft
- 7-day change
- -0.08 ft
- 30-day change
- -0.52 ft
- 1-year change
- +0.76 ft
- Record high
- 714.89 ft
In brief
Owasco Lake stood at 712.17 feet on Oct 12, 2026. That is higher than 65% of October readings since 1982.
Source: U.S. Geological Survey
Lake level timeline
Records and averages
| Current level | 712.17 ft |
|---|---|
| Record high | 714.89 ft (2021-08-20) |
| Record low | 708.45 ft (1993-03-22) |
| Average of all readings | 711.85 ft |
| Data span | 44 years (16,192 readings) |
Level schematic
Trout stocking on Owasco Lake
NYSDEC's 2026 spring schedule lists 2 trout releases on Owasco Lake, 14,010 fish in total, the first in May. Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout at 8 inches. NYSDEC's published figures for 2025, the most recent season it has confirmed, record 25,280 trout actually released here across 4 visits.
| Species | Fish | When |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Trout | 9,010 | May |
| Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | May |
NYSDEC lists a week or a month rather than a date, and notes that actual stocking can differ with fish availability and weather. Released at Scipio, Cayuga County. Full New York stocking schedule →
Frequently asked questions
Is Owasco Lake full right now?
As of 2026-10-12, Owasco Lake sits at 712.17 ft, which is above average for this time of year. Over the past 30 days the level has fallen 0.52 ft.
What is the water level at Owasco Lake today?
The most recent reading at Owasco Lake is 712.17 ft (2026-10-12), sourced from the U.S. Geological Survey. Readings on this page refresh automatically as the agency publishes new data.
What is the highest Owasco Lake has ever been?
The highest level for Owasco Lake in our records is 714.89 ft on 2021-08-20. The lowest is 708.45 ft on 1993-03-22. Our record covers about 44 years of readings.
Is Owasco Lake low for this time of year?
Compared with every October in our records, the current level is higher than 65% of them, which we classify as above average for this time of year. Seasonal comparison matters more than the raw number, because most reservoirs draw down predictably through late summer and refill over winter and spring.
Why is Owasco Lake changing right now?
Reservoir levels move for four main reasons: rainfall and runoff into the basin, releases through the dam for downstream water supply, power generation or flood control, evaporation during hot months, and seasonal drawdown schedules set by the operating agency. Owasco Lake has fallen 0.52 ft over the past 30 days. For the operational reason on any given week, check the U.S. Geological Survey directly.
How much has Owasco Lake changed over the past year?
Owasco Lake is +0.76 ft compared with this date last year (712.17 ft today). The full-history chart above covers 44 years, with a record high of 714.89 ft and a record low of 708.45 ft.
Download and cite
Quote this reading
Owasco Lake stood at 712.17 feet on Oct 12, 2026. That is higher than 65% of October readings since 1982.
Download the full record
owasco-lake-ny-water-level-history.csv
How to cite
MyWaterLevel, “Owasco Lake water level, 1982 to 2026,” data from U.S. Geological Survey, https://mywaterlevel.com/lake/ny/owasco-lake/, accessed Oct 13, 2026.
Source: the U.S. Geological Survey. All New York lake levels. Readings are provisional and may be revised. About our data and methods.