September 22, 2025
Dry conditions across the Southern Tier has some parts of Steuben County feeling the strain. The Almond Dam, just outside Hornell, is around nine feet below its conservation pool, ts lowest level in a very long time. The Army Corps of Engineers warns that the drought is threatening local ecosystems, including freshwater mussels, and without steady rain, water levels may keep falling. Officials say once the soil re-saturates, the dam could rebound—but for now, the region remains parched. Extended dry spells can harden soil, making the soil less absorbent. When rain does finally arrive, it often runs off quickly, increasing the risk of flash floods in the area.
