CONTOOCOOK RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
February 13, 2025


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Contoocook River was last observed at 5,491 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 10,891 acre-ft of water today; about 156% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 3,514 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2023-07-11 when daily discharge volume was observed at 11,185 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Contoocook River Near Henniker reporting a streamflow rate of 2,270 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Contoocook River, with a gauge stage of 6.29 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Contoocook River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 751 ft, the Contoocook River At Peterborough.

The Contoocook River is a 71-mile-long river in New Hampshire, United States. The river flows from its source at the confluence of the Pemigewasset River and Winnipesaukee River in Franklin to its mouth at the Merrimack River in Penacook. The river is an important source of hydroelectric power, with several dams and reservoirs along its length. The largest of these is the Contoocook Hydro project, which includes three dams and three reservoirs. The river also supports a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The Contoocook River is also an important source of water for agriculture and industry in the region. The river has a rich history, with evidence of Native American settlements dating back over 10,000 years.

Last Updated 2024-04-11
Discharge Volume 10,891 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 5,491.0 cfs
+155.0 cfs (+2.9%)
Percent of Normal 156.26%
Maximum 11,185.0 cfs
2023-07-11
Seasonal Avg 3,514 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Contoocook River At Peterborough
USGS 01082000
441 cfs 1.45 ft -5.36
Contoocook River Near Henniker
USGS 01085000
2270 cfs 6.29 ft 1.34
Contoocook R Bl Hopkinton Dam At W Hopkinton
USGS 01085500
305 cfs 1.94 ft -23.53
History of the River

The Contoocook River () is a 71-mile-long (114 km) river in New Hampshire. It flows from Pool Pond and Contoocook Lake on the Jaffrey/Rindge border to Penacook (just north of Concord), where it empties into the Merrimack River. It is one of only a few rivers in New Hampshire that flow in a predominantly northward direction. Three covered bridges span the river, one in the village of Contoocook in the town of Hopkinton, one in the town of Henniker, and a third on the Hancock-Greenfield line. Residents and tourists have made the Contoocook popular for fishing and whitewater boating.
The name Contoocook came from the Pennacook tribe of Native Americans and perhaps means "place of the river near pines." Other variations of the name include the Abenaki meaning "nut trees river" or Natick language meaning "small plantation at the river."The river gives its name to Contoocook, New Hampshire, a census-designated place (CDP) within the town of Hopkinton.

       

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