Blackstone River

Last Updated: April 19, 2026

Total streamflow across the Blackstone River was last observed at 1,596 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 3,166 acre-ft of water today; about 62% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 2,594 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2023-12-19 when daily discharge volume was observed at 29,630 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Blackstone River At Northbridge reporting a streamflow rate of 1,090 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Blackstone River, with a gauge stage of 3.78 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Blackstone River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 260 ft, the Blackstone River At Northbridge.

The Blackstone River is a waterway in the northeastern United States, stretching 48 miles from Worcester, Mass.


15-Day Long Term Forecast


River Details

Last Updated 2026-04-19
Discharge Volume 3,166 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 1,596.0 cfs
Past 24 Hours: -222.0 cfs (-12.21%)
Percent of Normal 61.52%
Maximum 29,630.0 cfs
2023-12-19
Seasonal Avg 2,594 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Blackstone River At Northbridge
USGS 01110500
1090 cfs 3.78 ft 4.81
Blackstone River At Woonsocket
USGS 01112500
727 cfs 2.55 ft -13.25
Blackstone R At Roosevelt St At Pawtucket Ri
USGS 01113895
869 cfs 1.51 ft -11.33
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The Blackstone River is a river in the U.S. states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It flows approximately 48 mi (80 km) and drains a watershed of approximately 540 sq. mi (1,400 km²). Its long history of industrial use has left a legacy of pollution, and it was characterized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 1990 as "the most polluted river in the country with respect to toxic sediments."