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Saco River Conditions & Weather Forecast

Saco River Tubing & Paddling Report

Use caution as river levels continue to run higher than average for this time of year. This page will be updated as necessary with any possible restrictions, changes or cancellations.

Water Temp Level Height CFS Notes
48 Medium 4.2- 1360- Cold water!  Risk of hypothermia.  Obstacles in the river.  
Conway @ SB Upper/Lower Cubic Feet Per Second Key: + = rising, – = receding

5/11 Update for the the weekend. The river remains cold and higher than normal summer levels.  There are many obstacles in the river as well.   Limited trips available beginning this weekend, 5/11.  Early seasons safety restrictions in place. 
Expect early season conditions which include cold water temps, (around 50 degrees) hazards/obstacles in the river, strainers/fallen trees and higher water levels compared to that of normal midsummer conditions. Also, there are no warning markers installed at Swan’s Falls Dam.

We plan to run limited trips at this time, but extra caution is advised. Paddlers should have some experience to steer away from potential hazards and avoid capsizing into cold water. We advise that all members of your party have strong swimming abilities should you capsize. We also recommend that no kids under 12 be on the river until conditions improve.

Other safety recommendations:
Wear your PFD, (life vest) at all times in and around the water.
Be alert for hazards. Pull out of the river and scout sections that cannot be seen well.
Watch for and avoid strainers (fallen trees) in the river.
Know before you go. Check river and weather conditions.
Wear appropriate clothing for early season.

You can cancel or reschedule your trip if you or any member of your party does not meet the recommendations or if anyone is not comfortable with the current conditions. Please confirm with us if you plan to come or not.

Saco River Valley & Conway, NH WEATHER

Why Saco Bound has the best Saco River Tubing & family trip…

Saco Bound operates on a section of river that is perfect for tubing and family trips.  It’s hard to steer a effectively tube.  So, obstacles like rocks and trees can be a problem.  Our section of the Saco has very few obstacles, especially our 3 mile trip from Saco Bound, (Putin #1) to Weston’s Beach.  This section also “holds” water better and has a reliable flow when the river is at its lowest. Safety, professional service and private, riverside properties further enhance the experience.  So, come tubing with us! We offer the most and very best tube trip on the Saco!  

Saco River Conditions Guide – from Redstone/Saco Bound, NH through Fryeburg, Maine

Level Low  Summer Medium High Very High
Cubic Feet Per Second Below 200 CFS 200 to 1,200 CFS 1,200 to 3,000 CFS 3,000 to 4,000 CFS Over 4,000 CFS
Appx Paddle Times (canoes & kayaks) 1 to 2 MPH Max 2 to 3 MPH 3 to 4 MPH 4 MPH +
Appx Float Times (tubes) Less than 1 MPH Around 1 or 2 MPH
Conditions Slow conditions.  May hit bottom or some waking.  Still mostly passable, however.   Many beaches and easy paddling conditions. Great for Tubing! Most typical in July & August. Good for canoe & kayaks.  Some Sections Too fast for Tubing.  Swimming skills necessary.  Use extra caution with young kids. Swift current, experience necessary.  Not recommended for kids or non-swimmers. Potentially Dangerous Conditions

Please Respect Nature & Leave NO Trace

Wear your PDF  • Know Before You Go • Use This Report Only as a Guide • River Conditions Can Change • Respect Other River Users

Weather Links & Other River Info: