Summary
Total streamflow across the
North Nashua River
was last observed at
155
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
308
acre-ft of water today; about 36%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
432 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2017-10-30 when daily discharge volume was observed at
7,260 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
North Nashua River Near Leominster
reporting a streamflow rate of 90.1 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
North Nashua River At Fitchburg
with a gauge stage of 2.68 ft.
This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the North Nashua River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 399 ft, the
North Nashua River At Fitchburg.
River Details
| Last Updated | 2026-01-02 |
| Discharge Volume | 308 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
155.4 cfs
-15.1 cfs (-8.86%) |
| Percent of Normal | 36.0% |
| Maximum |
7,260.0 cfs
2017-10-30 |
| Seasonal Avg | cfs |
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
North Nashua River At Fitchburg
USGS 01094400 |
65 cfs | 2.68 ft | -9.68 | |||||
|
North Nashua River Near Leominster
USGS 01094500 |
90 cfs | 2.4 ft | -8.25 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
It begins in Ashburnham and flows through Ashby, Fitchburg, Leominster, and Lancaster before joining the Nashua River in Lancaster. The river has a long history of industrial use, particularly in the textile industry. The hydrology of the river has been affected by damming and water diversion for industry and agriculture. The river is home to several reservoirs, including the Fitchburg Reservoir and the Lancaster Reservoir, which provide drinking water to surrounding communities. Recreational activities on the river include fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Agriculture along the river includes dairy farms and apple orchards. The river has been subject to pollution and efforts are being made to improve water quality through conservation and restoration efforts.