Otter Brook, New Hampshire, US
|
|
East Sullivan to Otterbrook Park
| Usual Difficulty |
III-IV (for normal flows) |
| Length |
3.2 Miles |
| Avg. Gradient |
82 fpm |
| Max Gradient |
95 fpm |
Upper Otter Brook
Upper Otter BrookPhoto by Mark Lacroix taken 03/29/03 @ 2.25' visual
Gauge Information
River Description
Otter Brook is a small creek located in southwestern NH. NH route 9 parrallels the run for most of
the way but is only occasionally visible from the river. It has a continuous gradient over its
three mile course. The first half of the river is steeper with a few rock strewn ledge drops one of
which is approximately 3Â. This one is located behind a home where the river swings left away from
the road. Most paddlers boat scout the river as they run. Be aware that strainers are common; often
trees will completely cross over and block the river. In medium to high water be especially
cautious of strainers since the velocity of the water will shorten maneuvering time. At the two
mile mark you will come across the new Granite Gorge Ski area which was recovered and rebuilt from
the old abandoned
Pinnacle ski area. From here
down the gradient slackens off and becomes more class II-III in nature. This is an alternate put in
/ take out. Early in the season the take out road at Otter Brook Park may be gated and closed due
to snow. It will be necessary to carry up the hill approximately .2 miles. When open the take out
is at a picnic area with picnic tables and bathroom facilities. The river from this point on is
usually ponded by a flood control dam down to Lower Otter Brook about three miles.
Technical info
Put in elevation........997'
Take out elevation......735'
Total drop..............262'
Average drop/mile.......82'
Distance................3.2 miles
1st mile drop...........95'
2nd mile drop...........92'
3rd mile drop...........65'
4th mile drop...........10' (average 50')
River width average.....25'
River geology...........small to medium granite boulders, some ledge.
River water quality.....Good, clear except for quick runoff periods.
Scenery.................Good to excellent forest scenery. Route 9
occasionally visible along the river. About three or
four homes visible along the banks.
Wildlife................Occasional deer, hawks, Turkeys
StreamTeam Status: Not Verified
Last Updated: 2011-04-18 14:52:12
Editors
No rapids entered. If you know names, and locations of the rapids please contact and advise the StreamTeam member for this run. 
User Comments
tree with fresh apples on it. All but one could be avoided at today's level (500 cfs inflow at the
Otter Brook Dam downstream) if you were looking for them. One strainer - the one mentioned in a
comment below, a year ago - that is about a mile downstream from the put in, just past a house on
the right hand side of the road, is now river wide. It would be a real mess to go through, with
branches sticking up like porcupine quills from the main trunk, which was at water level. This one
must be portaged. Edit
strainers. All were avoidable at this level, although some could be harder to avoid at higher
levels. You need to be wary throughout a trip on this river for strainers until these clean out. Edit
streamside house. 8/8/08 Edit