Raquette River River Levels

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

The Raquette River is a 146-mile-long river in northern New York that flows from the Adirondack Mountains to the Saint Lawrence River.


Summary

Total streamflow across the Raquette River was last observed at 3,310 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 6,565 acre-ft of water today; about 126% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 2,635 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2011-05-01 when daily discharge volume was observed at 34,700 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Raquette River At Raymondville Ny reporting a streamflow rate of 1,900 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Raquette River At Piercefield Ny with a gauge stage of 6.05 ft. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Raquette River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,502 ft, the Raquette River At Piercefield Ny.

River Details

Last Updated 2025-12-04
Discharge Volume 6,565 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 3,310.0 cfs
+380.0 cfs (+12.97%)
Percent of Normal 125.64%
Maximum 34,700.0 cfs
2011-05-01
Seasonal Avg 2,635 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Raquette River At Piercefield Ny
USGS 04266500
1410 cfs 6.05 ft 11.9
Raquette River At South Colton Ny
USGS 04267500
457 cfs 3.07 ft 23.51
Raquette River At Raymondville Ny
USGS 04268000
1900 cfs 3.06 ft 13.77
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The Raquette River, sometimes spelled Racquette, originates at Raquette Lake in the Adirondack Mountains in New York. 146 miles (235 km) long, it is the third longest river entirely in the state of New York.
The river is a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking. It passes through many natural and man-made lakes to its final destination at Akwesasne on the Saint Lawrence River. The river is the source of 27 hydroelectric plants operated by Brookfield Power, which at capacity can produce up to 181 megawatts of power.Historically, the river was a part of the "Highway of the Adirondacks", by which it was possible to travel hundreds of miles by canoe or guideboat with short stretches of portage connecting various waterways. This route is still followed by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, a 740-mile (1,190 km) canoe trail from Old Forge to Fort Kent in Maine. It is also the basis of the route of the Adirondack Canoe Classic, a three-day, 90-mile canoe race from Old Forge to Saranac Lake.