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Total streamflow across the
Saco River
was last observed at
10,570
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
20,965
acre-ft of water today; about 140%
of normal.
River levels are high.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
7,566 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2011-08-29 when daily discharge volume was observed at
56,600 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Saco River Near Conway
reporting a streamflow rate of 2,690 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Saco River, with a gauge stage of
5.47 ft at this location.
This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Saco River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 486 ft, the
Saco River Near Conway.
The Saco River is a 136-mile long river that flows through New Hampshire and Maine. The river was historically used by Native Americans for fishing and transportation. Today, it is primarily used for recreational activities such as kayaking, fishing, and tubing. The river is known for its clear water and scenic views. The hydrology of the Saco River is heavily influenced by three major reservoirs: the Lovewell Pond, the Ossipee Lake, and the Sebago Lake. These reservoirs help regulate the water flow of the river and provide water for agricultural uses. The river is also home to several hydroelectric dams, including the Hiram Dam and the Saco Dam, which provide electricity to the surrounding areas. The Saco River is an important natural resource for both the local community and visitors to the area.
| Last Updated | 2024-04-11 |
| Discharge Volume | 20,965 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
10,570.0 cfs
+260.0 cfs (+2.52%) |
| Percent of Normal | 139.71% |
| Maximum |
56,600.0 cfs
2011-08-29 |
| Seasonal Avg | 7,566 cfs |
The Saco River is a river in northeastern New Hampshire and southwestern Maine in the United States. It drains a rural area of 1,703 square miles (4,410 km2) of forests and farmlands west and southwest of Portland, emptying into the Atlantic Ocean at Saco Bay, 136 miles (219 km) from its source. It supplies drinking water to roughly 250,000 people in thirty-five towns; and historically provided transportation and water power encouraging development of the cities of Biddeford and Saco and the towns of Fryeburg and Hiram. The name "Saco" comes from the Eastern Abenaki word [sɑkohki], meaning "land where the river comes out". The Jesuit Relations, ethnographic documents from the 17th century, refer to the river as Chouacoet.
