Sandy River (ME) at Mercer
Flood levels
Official flood levels at this gauge: action stage begins at 8.0 ft; minor flooding begins at 10.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 14.0 ft; major flooding begins at 16.0 ft.
| Action stage | 8.0 ft |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 10.0 ft |
| Moderate flooding | 14.0 ft |
| Major flooding | 16.0 ft |
Highest recorded crests
- 19.2 ft on Apr 1, 1987 (historic crest)
- 17.4 ft on Dec 19, 2023 (historic crest)
- 16.8 ft on Mar 19, 1936 (historic crest)
- 16.3 ft on Mar 28, 1953 (historic crest)
What the water does
National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.
| 8.0 ft | The river is at bankfull in low lying areas, some erosion may occur. |
|---|---|
| 10.0 ft | Minor flooding occurs on George Thomas Road in New Sharon. Floodwaters can encroach on low lying portion of West and East Sandy River Road in Mercer due to culverts backing up under certain conditions. Locals are advised to find alternate routes. |
| 12.0 ft | Flooding of Prescott Field and Hippach Field in Farmington, and low land pasture flooding downstream. |
| 13.0 ft | Flood waters encroach on properties along Front Street and Main Street in Farmington. Extensive flooding of recreational fields occurs. The flood extent along East Sandy River Road in Mercer cuts off access to multiple homes. |
| 14.0 ft | Moderate flooding occurs. Businesses inundated along Main Street in Farmington south of the University. Floodwaters encroach on homes along East Sandy River Road in Mercer. |
| 15.0 ft | Starks Road in New Sharon flooded. Water enters businesses on Main Street in Farmington. |
| 16.0 ft | Major flooding occurs. Flooding impacts homes and businesses from Farmington Falls to Norridgewock. Main Street in Farmington flooded up to to 4 feet depth. |
| 17.0 ft | Level comparable with December 2023. Dozens of properties between Farmington and New Sharon flooded. Access in and out of the region limited due to flooded bridges. Floodwaters several feet deep in Farmington along Main Street and Front Street. |
| 18.0 ft | Route 2 bridge in New Sharon flooded. Starks Road to Glen Harris Road flooded in New Sharon. |
| 19.0 ft | Approaching levels seen during the historical 1987 flood. Significant property damage between Farmington and New Sharon. Hundreds of acres of farmland flooded in Mercer and Starks. |
Forecast office: NWS Gray · River Forecast Center: Northeast River Forecast Center.
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