Kennebec River at North Sidney
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 17.0 ft; minor flooding begins at 20.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 25.0 ft; major flooding begins at 29.0 ft.
| Action stage | 17.0 ft |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 20.0 ft |
| Moderate flooding | 25.0 ft |
| Major flooding | 29.0 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 39.3 ft on Apr 2, 1987 (historic crest)
- 32.3 ft on Dec 19, 2023 (historic crest)
- 26.6 ft on Jun 1, 1984 (historic crest)
- 26.4 ft on Apr 28, 1979 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 17.0 ft | The river is at bankfull in low lying areas, and high flows could cause some erosion. |
|---|---|
| 20.0 ft | Lowest portions of Winslow and Fairfield begin to flood. The most flood prone areas include Lithgow Street in Winslow and Water Street in Fairfield. Residents along the river in low lying areas should prepare for flooding if additional rises occur. |
| 22.5 ft | In Fairfield, floodwaters expand from Water Street to Dyer Court cutting off access to properties. Floodwaters reach Lithgow Street in Winslow. |
| 25.0 ft | Moderate flooding occurs. In Fairfield, water surrounds properties and inundates basements of low lying properties off Upper Main Street and Water Street. Impacts expand to buildings on Mill Road and Lithgow Street in Winslow. Impacts along Route 201 in Winslow are possible if concurrent with high flows along the Sebasticook River. |
| 29.0 ft | Major flooding occurs. Closure of Route 201 is possible near Davis Street in Fairfield and Halifax Street in Winslow. In Fairfield, impacts expand to multiple properties along Upper Main Street, Water Street, and Bunker Island. Follow the directions of local officials if you are asked to evacuate. |
| 31.5 ft | Extensive flooding with major damage to roads, bridges and structures from Fairfield to Sidney. Flood levels are comparable with the severe December 2023 flooding. Several main thruways flooded making travel very difficult. Don’t put first responders at risk, follow local officials’ instructions on evacuation and safety precautions. |
| 34.0 ft | Many homes and businesses are severely flooded or are totally isolated for an extended duration between Waterville and North Sidney. This is a very dangerous and life threatening situation. Roadways will remain unsafe during and after the storm and driving will be extremely hazardous. |
| 39.0 ft | The river is nearing or exceeding flood levels seen during the historic 1987 flood. Follow the directions of local officials if you are asked to evacuate. |
Forecast office: NWS Gray · River Forecast Center: Northeast River Forecast Center.
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Nearby stations and gauges
- Kennebec River at Augusta NWS gauge · 11.5 mi
- Kennebec River at Hallowell NWS gauge · 13.8 mi
- Gardiner NOAA tide station · 17.0 mi
- Kennebec River at Gardiner NWS gauge · 17.2 mi
- Cobbosseecontee Stream at Gardiner NWS gauge · 17.4 mi
- Sheepscot River at North Whitefield NWS gauge · 17.8 mi