Merrimack River at Lowell
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 50.0 ft; minor flooding begins at 52.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 54.0 ft; major flooding begins at 58.0 ft.
| Action stage | 50.0 ft |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 52.0 ft |
| Moderate flooding | 54.0 ft |
| Major flooding | 58.0 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 68.4 ft on Mar 20, 1936 (historic crest)
- 60.6 ft on Apr 23, 1852 (historic crest)
- 60.6 ft on Sep 23, 1938 (historic crest)
- 58.8 ft on May 15, 2006 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 52.0 ft | Lowland flooding is likely along the Merrimack River. Most of the impact will be felt by businesses and mills where basement flooding is likely. |
|---|---|
| 55.0 ft | Flooding will become more widespread from the New Hampshire border through Methuen. Those areas outside local flood protection should take measures to protect property. Follow the directions of your local emergency management agency. |
| 56.0 ft | Flooding will become more widespread from the New Hampshire border through Methuen. Those areas outside local flood protection should take measures to protect property. Follow the directions of your local emergency management agency. |
| 58.0 ft | Flooding is expected to overspread portions of Route 113 above Pawtucket Falls. Also, portions of Route 110 and several homes and businesses along Route 110 heading north and east into Tewksbury may begin to experience flooding. Follow the direction of your local emergency management officals. If asked to evacuate, do so immediately. |
| 60.0 ft | This is a serious flood event. All persons along the Merrimack River from the Massachusetts border through Methuen should follow the evacuation recommendations from your local emergency managemant officials. If asked to evacuate, do so immediately. All flood protection measures must be rushed to completion in flood prone areas. |
| 62.0 ft | This is a serious flood event. All persons along the Merrimack River should follow the evacuation recommendations from your local emergency managemant officials. If asked to evacuate, do so immediately. All flood protection measures must be rushed to completion in flood prone areas. |
| 65.0 ft | This is a serious flood event. All persons along the Merrimack River should follow the evacuation recommendations from your local emergency managemant officials. If asked to evacuate, do so immediately. All flood protection measures must be rushed to completion in flood prone areas. |
Forecast office: NWS Norton · River Forecast Center: Northeast River Forecast Center.
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Nearby stations and gauges
- Concord River at Lowell NWS gauge · 0.7 mi
- Shawsheen River at Wilmington NWS gauge · 6.8 mi
- Shawsheen River at Andover NWS gauge · 7.8 mi
- Spicket River near Methuen NWS gauge · 8.1 mi
- Merrimack River at Lawrence NWS gauge · 8.4 mi
- Beaver Brook at North Pelham NWS gauge · 9.9 mi