NEW HAMPSHIRE FLOW REPORT
Last Updated: January 1, 2026
New Hampshire's rivers are currently experiencing a mix of below-average streamflows contrasted with a few rivers showing above-normal conditions, which can be critical for water enthusiasts looking for seasonal trends and potential hazards. Notably, the Androscoggin River, a key feature for whitewater enthusiasts near Gorham, is flowing at 1720 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is 43.26% below its normal streamflow, indicating a flow drought that may affect recreational activities. Similarly, the Saco River near Conway, vital for canoeing and kayaking, is at a low 315 cfs, 69.49% below the norm. On the other hand, the Upper Ammonoosuc River near Groveton is above average at 1270 cfs, 51.37% higher than typical, and the Connecticut River at North Stratford boasts a substantial streamflow of 4920 cfs, over 100% of its normal rate, which could signal flooding concerns.
Cities along these rivers, such as Conway, Gorham, and North Stratford, should remain alert for changes in water levels. The Pemigewasset River at Plymouth is another significant waterway with a higher than average flow at 3590 cfs, 43.5% above normal, which may affect the surrounding watershed and communities like Plymouth. In contrast, the Merrimack River near Franklin Junction is experiencing a significant deficit in flow at 857 cfs, a 73.73% reduction, which could impact water supply and ecology in the region. Whitewater trails along typically bustling rivers may see less activity due to these variations in streamflow. The observed streamflow changes and gage heights should be closely monitored for both safety precautions on the rivers and the implications for water resource management within the state.
New Hampshire has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm, humid summers. Major surface flows include the Connecticut River, which forms the western border of the state, and the Merrimack River, which flows through the central part of the state. The Pemigewasset, Saco, and Androscoggin Rivers are also significant. There are numerous reservoirs and dams in the state, including the Amoskeag Dam on the Merrimack River. Hydrology in New Hampshire is influenced by precipitation patterns, which vary widely across the state. Snowpack in the winter months is a major source of water for rivers and streams in the spring and summer. The state's many watersheds, including the Connecticut River watershed, play a critical role in determining flow conditions.
Explore Rivers
- Ammonoosuc River
- Androscoggin River
- Ashuelot River
- Baker River
- Bearcamp River
- Blackwater River
- Cocheco River
- Connecticut River
- Contoocook River
- Diamond River
- Exeter River
- Isinglass River
- Lamprey River
- Merrimack River
- North Branch River
- Oyster River
- Pemigewasset River
- Piscataquog River
- Saco River
- Smith River
- Souhegan River
- Spicket River
- Sugar River
- Suncook River
- Upper Ammonoosuc River
- Warner River
- Winnicut River
- Winnipesaukee River