Last Updated: January 1, 2026
River enthusiasts in Maine should take note of the significant variations in streamflows across the state's waterways. The St. John River, a major watershed, shows reduced streamflow at Ninemile Bridge, Dickey, and below Fish River, with measurements like 843 cfs at Ninemile Bridge, indicating a flow rate 65.28% below normal. This trend of lower-than-usual flow extends to other rivers such as the Big Black, Allagash, and Fish River, with the Allagash near Allagash flowing at 566 cfs, 60.58% below the norm. However, the Meduxnekeag River near Houlton displayed an extraordinary surge, jumping 573.89% in the last 24 hours, to a flow of 591 cfs, possibly affecting local water activities.
In contrast, the Kennebec and Androscoggin rivers, vital for recreational and ecological balance, exhibit substantial fluctuations. The Kennebec River at North Sidney saw an uptick in flow by 18.84%, reaching 9,400 cfs, which is 27.68% below normal but may signal rising water levels that could impact areas like Sidney. The Androscoggin River near Auburn maintains a flow rate of 3,240 cfs, which, while still 54.45% below the seasonal average, remains a critical figure for local river conditions. Whitewater enthusiasts should be cautious as these changes can affect the conditions on popular trails. Additionally, the Wild River at Gilead saw a massive increase of 932.06% to 1,030 cfs, significantly above the norm and indicative of potential flooding, demanding attention from nearby communities. Overall, while some rivers face flow deficits, others are experiencing sharp rises that may lead to high water events, underscoring the dynamic and varied river conditions across Maine.
Maine experiences varied flow conditions due to its unique hydrology and climate characteristics. Major surface flows include the Penobscot, Kennebec, Androscoggin, and Saco Rivers, which are regulated by large reservoirs and dams. The watershed area of each river is affected by snowpack, precipitation, and temperature, resulting in seasonal flow changes. Coastal rivers are influenced by tides and have a freshwater/saltwater interface. Maine's precipitation is relatively high, but its variability poses challenges in water management. Climate change may cause more extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfalls and droughts, affecting water availability and quality. As a result, monitoring and management of Maine's water resources are crucial for sustaining ecology, economy, and public well-being.
Residents of Maine, particularly in Northern Washington, Northern Penobscot, Southeast Aroostook, Northeast Aroostook, Coastal Hancock, Coastal Washington, Central Washington, Interior Hancock, Central Penobscot, Southern Penobscot, Coastal Waldo, Interior Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc counties are advised to prepare for significant winter weather conditions. Heavy snow accumulations of 5 to 9 inches are expected, which could severely impact travel. Those in the Route 1 corridor and surrounding areas should especially be cautious, as snowfall is accompanied by strong wind gusts up to 35 mph, heightening the risk of difficult driving conditions and potential power outages. It is essential to limit travel to emergencies and stay informed on the latest weather updates as the situation develops.
| River Run | Status | Streamflow (CFS) | Air Temp (F) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kennebec Gorge
Class III to IV+ |
44.67 |