CONTOOCOOK RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-20
Discharge Volume 478 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 241.1 cfs
-5.3 cfs (-2.15%)
Percent of Normal 20.05%
Maximum 11,185.0 cfs
2023-07-11
Seasonal Avg 1,203 cfs

Total streamflow across the Contoocook River was last observed at 241 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 478 acre-ft of water today; about 20% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,203 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 R Bl Hopkinton Dam At W Hopkinton reporting a streamflow rate of 129 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Contoocook River Near Henniker with a gauge stage of 4.77 ft. 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.

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
14 cfs 1.12 ft 0
Contoocook River Near Henniker
USGS 01085000
85 cfs 4.77 ft -2.59
Contoocook R Bl Hopkinton Dam At W Hopkinton
USGS 01085500
129 cfs 1.61 ft -2.1
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.

Weather Forecast



16-Day Long Term Forecast
       

Get Unparalelled Insights

Explore the Map

Whether you're planning your next ski trip or tracking stream flows for an upcoming rafting expedition, our map offers instant access to essential conditions, forecasts, and trends.

Watershed River Levels

39

Cubic Feet Per Second

92

Cubic Feet Per Second

30

Cubic Feet Per Second

11

Cubic Feet Per Second