Rivers in Massachusetts
North Nashua River at Fitchburg
Below flood stage
2.24ftStage
Observed Wed, Sep 23, 6:30 AM EDT
- Flood stage
- 6.50 ft
- Forecast crest
- 2.30 ftWed, Sep 23, 8:00 AM EDT
- Record crest
- 9.25 ft1987
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 10.00 ft |
| Moderate flood | 8.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 6.50 ft |
| Action | 5.00 ft |
- 10.00 ftSignificant flooding occurs along portions of the North Nashua River from Fitchburg downstream through Lancaster. In Fitchburg, flood waters reach low lying railroad bridges, and impacts occur at businesses near the junction of River and Depot Streets. Flood waters may cause erosion of the Westminster Street embankment in spots between Wachusett and Temple Streets. Overtopping of the dike along Commercial Road in Leominster may occur.
- 9.00 ftFlooding occurs in low lying areas along the river. Businesses near the junction of River and Depot streets in Fitchburg are impacted. Flood waters also approach low railroad bridges in Downtown Fitchburg.
- 8.00 ftFlooding of low lying areas along the river can be expected from Fitchburg downstream into Lancaster. Flooding affects businesses near the junction of River and Depot Streets in Fitchburg.
- 7.00 ftFlooding of low lying areas along the river can be expected. Flooding encroaches on businesses near the junction of River and Depot streets in Fitchburg.
Flood outlook
Chance of flooding, September to November
| Category | Chance |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | Under 5% |
| Moderate flooding | Under 5% |
| Major flooding | Under 5% |
The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 21, 2026.
Crest history
43 crests on NOAA’s list since 1973.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 5, 1987 | 9.25 ft |
| 2 | April 16, 2007 | 8.59 ft |
| 3 | March 7, 2011 | 8.02 ft |
| 4 | March 15, 2010 | 7.99 ft |
| 5 | October 30, 2017 | 7.92 ft |
| 6 | April 2, 2004 | 7.59 ft |
| 7 | April 16, 1996 | 7.59 ft |
| 8 | April 3, 2005 | 7.53 ft |
| 9 | February 26, 2010 | 7.34 ft |
| 10 | March 9, 1998 | 7.32 ft |
| 11 | September 18, 2018 | 7.18 ft |
| 12 | August 19, 1991 | 7.07 ft |
| 13 | October 15, 2005 | 7.05 ft |
| 14 | April 5, 1984 | 7.02 ft |
| 15 | October 20, 1989 | 6.91 ft |
| 16 | December 18, 2023 | 6.91 ft |
| 17 | October 21, 1996 | 6.91 ft |
| 18 | January 25, 2019 | 6.87 ft |
| 19 | March 30, 1993 | 6.73 ft |
| 20 | September 7, 2008 | 6.72 ft |
| 21 | February 4, 2022 | 6.69 ft |
| 22 | August 28, 2011 | 6.64 ft |
| 23 | June 17, 2001 | 6.61 ft |
| 24 | December 24, 1994 | 6.59 ft |
| 25 | April 22, 2000 | 6.57 ft |
Most recent crests
- December 18, 2023: 6.91 ft
- December 23, 2022: 6.54 ft
- February 4, 2022: 6.69 ft
- January 25, 2019: 6.87 ft
- September 18, 2018: 7.18 ft
- October 30, 2017: 7.92 ft
- August 28, 2011: 6.64 ft
- March 7, 2011: 8.02 ft
- March 15, 2010: 7.99 ft
- February 26, 2010: 7.34 ft
Nearby
Upstream, downstream and the gauges around this one.
What this means
Forecasts by the Northeast River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued routinely year-round. Stage may be affected by ice.
Sources
Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service. Streamflow and the daily record from the U.S. Geological Survey.