Penobscot River at West Enfield
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 15.5 ft; minor flooding begins at 17.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 20.0 ft; major flooding begins at 24.0 ft.
| Action stage | 15.5 ft |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 17.0 ft |
| Moderate flooding | 20.0 ft |
| Major flooding | 24.0 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 25.1 ft on May 1, 1923 (historic crest)
- 23.6 ft on Apr 2, 1987 (historic crest)
- 22.0 ft on Mar 21, 1936 (historic crest)
- 21.7 ft on Apr 30, 1973 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 16.0 ft | River approaches bankfull, basement flooding is possible and dangerous flows pose a threat to life for river activities. |
|---|---|
| 17.0 ft | Low-lying flooding of properties close to the river between West Enfield and Milford. Backwater issues will cause low-lying flooding on the Sunkhaze and Olamon Stream, Costigan and Boombridge Brook and Passadumkeag River. |
| 18.0 ft | River is out of banks with extensive flooding along low-lying areas of US Route 2 and State Route 116. Extensive backwater flooding on Costigan Brook, Sunkhaze Stream, Olamon Stream, Lancaster Brook and Passadumkeag River will encroach on structures between Milford and West Enfield similar to December 2023 flooding. Greenfield Road floods and impassable between St. Regis Road to near Lindey Lane. |
| 20.0 ft | Extensive flooding along US Route 2 and State Route 116 between Howland and West Enfield to Old Town and Milford. Extensive backwater issues on several streams and creeks will cause minor flooding of US Route 2 and State Route 116. Homes and structures near the Penobscot River and tributaries will be threatened by flood waters. |
| 21.0 ft | Closure of Route 2 likely between Greenbush and Milford. Flooding on US Route 2 can occur along the confluences with the Sunkhaze Stream or Costigan Brook in Milford, and the Boonridge or Stevens Brook in Greenbush due to backwater effects. |
| 23.0 ft | Comparable to the FEMA 1 percent flood level with similar impacts to the 1987 floods. Significant flooding of US Route 2 from Sunkhaze Stream to Greenbush Station with several homes inundated. Significant flooding of State Route 116 in areas from the Stillwater River north to Lagoon Lane in Howland. |
| 24.0 ft | Transportation across the area will be severely impacted. Several portions of US Route 2 flooded and impassable between West Enfield and Milford. State Route 116 has extensive flooding between the Stillwater River and Howland. |
| 25.0 ft | Comparable to the FEMA 0.2 percent flood level. Record flooding similar to the Flood of 1923. |
Forecast office: NWS Caribou · River Forecast Center: Northeast River Forecast Center.
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