Otter Brook

Lower Otter Brook is a fun dam release spring river run in NH. It is mostly a class II run appropriate for novice and intermediate paddlers. Due to the Otter Brook Dam, the stream is only runnable is the dam is sufficiently open to generate flows of 400 cfs and higher.

There is a nice hole/wave play spot formed by the dam outflow at the put in. Use caution here since the concrete walls on either side could trap a paddler should the hole be the more prominent feature. It is also very shallow so watch out not to roll here.

The river starts out with class II, winding its way through an alder thicket. This section is very narrow and occasionally contains strainers and overhanging alders and it is common for new paddlers to get caught up in trees flooded out by the high water. Beaver activity and fresh wood from winter storms may present hazards, especially on the upper section of this river.

The lower section of the river is wider with the additional flow from the Miniwawa river. Just above the intersection with the Miniwawa there is a nice two foot drop - Otter Ledge - with a steep channel on river right. At levels above 600 cfs this drop to the upper takeout approaches Class 3 conditions.

The lower takeout is not commonly used, but paddlers can add 2 more miles of mixed rapids to the trip that includes a dam portage and scoping out a parking area to access boats either in the back of an auto garage or after the junction with the Ashuelot River near the public parks. Some extra flatwater paddling will be required.

Technical info

Put in elevation........656'Take out elevation......492'Total drop..............164'Average drop/mile.......53'Distance................3.1 miles1st mile drop...........66'2nd mile drop...........36'3rd mile drop...........62'River width average.....25'River geology...........small granite boulders some ledgeRiver water quality.....Good, clarity average.Scenery.................Suburban a 

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