TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE
Total streamflow across the
Souhegan River
was last observed at
362
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
718
acre-ft of water today; about 32%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
1,142 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2023-12-19 when daily discharge volume was observed at
6,040 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Souhegan River At Merrimack
reporting a streamflow rate of 185 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
Souhegan River (Site Wlr-1) Near Milford
with a gauge stage of 4.18 ft.
This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Souhegan River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 275 ft, the
Souhegan River (Site Wlr-1) Near Milford.
The Souhegan River is a 33-mile-long river in southern New Hampshire that flows from its headwaters in the town of New Ipswich to its confluence with the Merrimack River in the town of Merrimack. The river has a rich history, once powering a variety of mills and factories. Today, the river is used primarily for recreation, including fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The river is also an important source of water for agricultural activities, particularly in the communities of Milford and Wilton. The river is dammed in several locations, including the Pennichuck Brook Dam in Nashua, the Wilton Dam in Wilton, and the Merrimack Village Dam in Merrimack, which impound the water to create reservoirs for drinking water and hydroelectric power generation. Despite its industrial past, the Souhegan River remains an important natural resource for the region.
| Last Updated | 2024-12-20 |
| Discharge Volume | 718 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
362.0 cfs
+51.0 cfs (+16.4%) |
| Percent of Normal | 31.69% |
| Maximum |
6,040.0 cfs
2023-12-19 |
| Seasonal Avg | 1,142 cfs |
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Souhegan River (Site Wlr-1) Near Milford
USGS 01093852 |
177 cfs | 4.18 ft | 15.69 | |||||
|
Souhegan River At Merrimack
USGS 01094000 |
185 cfs | 3.19 ft | 17.09 |
History of the River
The Souhegan River is a tributary of the Merrimack River in the northeastern United States. It is 33.8 miles (54.4 km) long with a drainage area of 171 sq mi (440 km2) and flows north and east through southern New Hampshire to the Merrimack River.
The river begins in New Ipswich, New Hampshire, at the junction of the river's South Branch and West Branch. Flowing northeast, it passes through the center of Greenville and descends through a narrow valley to Wilton, where it turns east. The river valley broadens below Wilton, and the river passes through the center of Milford, crosses the southern portion of Amherst, and enters the town of Merrimack. Shortly upstream of the town center, the river passes over Wildcat Falls, then crosses under the Everett Turnpike and U.S. Route 3 to reach the Merrimack River.
The river is used for water supplies, a small amount of hydropower, and recreation. There are 28 threatened or endangered species sharing the watershed with 35,000 people. It is part of the New Hampshire Rivers Management Protection Program.
It was one of two rivers studied by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to reach data and recommendations about allowable "instream flow".