North Nashua River At Fitchburg Flow Report
As of July 16, 2026, North Nashua River At Fitchburg is flowing at 10 cfs with a gage height of 2.15 ft, receding 18% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #01094400, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
North Nashua River At Fitchburg at a glance
How North Nashua River At Fitchburg is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
North Nashua River At Fitchburg is flowing at 10 cfs, with the water sitting 2.15 ft at the gage. Flow is down 18% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #01094400 in Massachusetts. Over the past 10 days the average has been 24 cfs, peaking at 77 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Massachusetts flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #01094400).
Estimate flows at an ungauged site
Drainage-area ratio transfer from this gauge . Most reliable for hydrologically similar sites in the same watershed with area ratios between roughly 0.5 and 1.5.
Percentiles are flow-duration values computed from this gauge’s observed daily record as archived by Snoflo. Return periods are Weibull plotting-position estimates from observed annual maxima, provided as general reference context only. Always verify against official USGS NWIS records. Part of Snoflo for Engineering.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, North Nashua River At Fitchburg is expected to hold near today's 10 cfs, toward roughly 9 cfs by 2026-07-20 (likely range 2-36 cfs) -- running well below the seasonal normal.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
| Date | Expected (p50) | Likely range (p25–p75) | vs normal | Projected stage |
|---|
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year overlay, annual peak discharge, the full distribution of daily flows on record, and the gauge's rating curve.
Weather Forecast
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
North Nashua River At Fitchburg
The river is fed by several small tributaries, including the South Nashua River and the Mill Street Brook. One potential dam along the river is the Rollstone Street Dam. Flow in the river is typically highest in the spring due to snowmelt and precipitation, and lowest in the summer months. Interestingly, the North Nashua River was once heavily polluted by factories in the area, but has since been cleaned up and is now home to a variety of fish species, including trout and bass.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check North Nashua River At Fitchburg's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| North Nashua River At Fitchburg | 10 cfs |
| North Nashua River Near Leominster | 47 cfs |
| Squannacook River Near West Groton | 12 cfs |
| Stillwater River Near Sterling | 4 cfs |
| Nashua River At East Pepperell | 106 cfs |
| Otter River At Otter River | 12 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near North Nashua River At Fitchburg. Spring snowmelt is the dominant driver of streamflow in mountain basins -- a deep snowpack upstream means more runoff later in the season.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Fitchburg 1.6 Ssw | 0 in |
| Fitchburg Coop | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Westminster 0.6 Wsw | 0 in |
| Sterling 4.3 Nw | 0 in |
| Ashburnham | 0 in |
| Ashburnham North | 0 in |
River levels & flood safety
- Read the level before you go
- A river that's runnable at one flow can be deadly at another. Check current discharge and gage height — like the values shown above — against the flood-stage thresholds, and remember levels can spike fast after rain or a dam release.
- Respect cold water
- Snowmelt rivers run cold even in summer. Sudden immersion triggers cold-water shock and saps strength within minutes. Wear a PFD, dress for the water temperature (not the air), and never wade or paddle alone.
- Watch for swiftwater hazards
- Strainers (downed trees), undercut rocks, and low-head dams are the deadliest features on moving water. High, fast, muddy water hides them. If in doubt, scout from shore and portage.
- Mind flash floods & releases
- Narrow canyons can flood from a storm miles upstream, and dam-controlled reaches can rise without warning. Know the forecast, the release schedule, and your exit before you launch.
Track North Nashua River At Fitchburg in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when North Nashua River At Fitchburg crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About North Nashua River At Fitchburg
Where does the streamflow data for North Nashua River At Fitchburg come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 01094400. Snoflo refreshes the time series throughout the day. Forecasts come from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
USGS gauges report continuously (typically every 15 minutes). Snoflo pulls fresh values throughout the day — look for the "as of" timestamp on the streamflow hero card.
What's the difference between discharge and gage height?
Discharge (cubic feet per second, or cfs) is the volume of water flowing past the gauge each second. Gage height is how high the water sits at the gauge (feet). They're related by a rating curve specific to each gauge — higher water means more flow, but the exact ratio depends on channel shape.
How is "percent of median" calculated?
Today's discharge is compared to the historical median discharge on this calendar day across the gauge's full record. 100% = right on median; 200% = a very high year; 30% = a drought-level low.
What are flood stages, and is this river safe right now?
Flood stages are NWS-defined gage-height thresholds — Action, Minor, Moderate, Major — marking when nearby roads or floodplains start to be affected. "Safe" depends on your activity and skill: a level that's a fun paddle for an expert can be lethal for a wader. Always check the current level against the thresholds above and the safety links, and when in doubt, stay off the water.
Can I get alerts when North Nashua River At Fitchburg rises?
Yes — flow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this gauge, set a streamflow threshold (e.g. "alert me when discharge crosses 5,000 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
Access the free North Nashua River At Fitchburg report
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