WESTFIELD RIVER
December 22, 2024
TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE
Total streamflow across the
Westfield River
was last observed at
1,156
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
2,293
acre-ft of water today; about 58%
of normal.
River levels are low and may signify a drought.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
2,003 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2011-08-29 when daily discharge volume was observed at
17,224 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Westfield River Near Westfield
reporting a streamflow rate of 719 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Westfield River, with a gauge stage of
4.53 ft at this location.
This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Westfield River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 464 ft, the
Westfield River At Knightville.
The Westfield River is a 78-mile long river located in western Massachusetts. It is a tributary of the Connecticut River and has a rich history dating back to pre-colonial times. The river is fed by several small streams and tributaries, and its hydrology is influenced by numerous reservoirs and dams. Some of the most notable dams include Knightville Dam, Littleville Lake, and West Branch Reservoir. These reservoirs provide drinking water to nearby communities and also serve as recreational areas for fishing, boating, and swimming. The Westfield River is also an important resource for agriculture, providing irrigation water for fields and crops. Despite being impacted by pollution and development over the years, the river remains an important natural resource for the region.
| Last Updated | 2024-12-22 |
| Discharge Volume | 2,293 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
1,156.0 cfs
-171.0 cfs (-12.89%) |
| Percent of Normal | 57.71% |
| Maximum |
17,224.0 cfs
2011-08-29 |
| Seasonal Avg | 2,003 cfs |
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Westfield River At Knightville
USGS 01179500 |
437 cfs | 3.9 ft | -9.15 | |||||
|
Westfield River Near Westfield
USGS 01183500 |
719 cfs | 4.53 ft | -15.01 |
History of the River
The Westfield River is a major tributary of the Connecticut River located in the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley regions of western Massachusetts. With four major tributary branches that converge west of the city of Westfield, it flows 78.1 miles (125.7 km) (measured from the source of its North Branch) before its confluence with the Connecticut River at Agawam, across from the city of Springfield's Metro Center district. Known for its whitewater rapids and scenic beauty, the Westfield River provides over 50 miles (80 km) of whitewater canoeing and kayaking, in addition to one of the largest roadless wilderness areas remaining in the Commonwealth.The Westfield River is the Connecticut River's longest tributary in Massachusetts, although the Chicopee River's basin is much larger, and contributes more water to the Connecticut. The Connecticut's northern tributary, the Deerfield River, is nearly as long as the Westfield—only 2.1 miles (3.4 km) shorter than the Westfield.
During the mid-20th century, the Westfield River was so polluted that it would change color based on the nature of the contaminant. Today, the river is clean enough for swimming. It is a state and locally managed river featuring native trout fishing and rugged mountain scenery in the context of a historical mill town settlement (at Westfield).