Public Safety Warning – Connecticut River / McIndoes & Wilder Dam Area

CONCORD, N.H. - The recent surge in heavy weather resulted in a significant accumulation of damaging rainfall. Some areas experienced more than six inches of rain and the New Hampshire State Police - Marine Patrol is urging boaters and swimmers to use an abundance of caution if they decide to go out on the Connecticut River or any waterway affected by water current.

Even with clear skies, water flows on many bodies of water are expected to remain high over the next several days. With these elevated flows, dangerous water currents and river debris remain abundant. The high water, in addition to being more difficult to navigate or swim, can submerge objects, cause river strainers, and create undertows that can affect even experienced boat captains and swimmers.

Specifically, Great River Hydro is discouraging recreational boating upstream on any of its dams on the Connecticut River during these conditions with specific attention in the McIndoes Dam - Monroe, NH and Wilder Dam - Lebanon areas. In some instances, their Boater Safety Buoys have been compromised, making conditions on the water more dangerous than usual and they are requesting no boating, kayaking, or canoeing in these regions until conditions return to normal and the Boater Safety Buoys are repaired. Click here for the full announcement.

Some of the New Hampshire boat landings that may be affected by these conditions are, but are not limited to, the East Wilder Boat Launch - Lebanon, Wilson's Landing - Hanover, Hewes Brook CT River Landing - Lyme, and the Orford Boat Launch - Orford. All NH boat launches and access sites may be viewed at NH Water Access Sites here.

Although safety officials are urging people to avoid these areas, should you choose to go out, file a float plan, have a cell phone, and wear a life jacket.