Connecticut River Flood Stage Changes

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From:   Sarah Jamison

           Senior Service Hydrologist

           Weather Forecast Office Gray, ME

Subject:   Connecticut River Flood Stage Changes 

Effective at 1200 Coordinated Universal Time on Wednesday June 24, 2026, the National Weather Service (NWS) will implement adjustments to official flood stages for four critical river forecast points along the Connecticut River. These forecast points include Dalton (NH), North Stratford (NH), Wells River (VT), and West Lebanon (NH).

It is necessary for the National Weather Service to periodically update flood stages at river forecast points as changes, both natural and manmade, occur over a watershed. These updates are needed to ensure the best quality river forecasts and resulting warnings to local communities. Following field evaluations, the NWS has determined that these thresholds require minor adjustments to more accurately reflect actual risks to life and property. 

The summary of revised flood stages and specific details for each forecast point are listed below:

North Stratford (NSTN3)

The changes here are focused only on the most severe category. The Major stage is being lowered to 17 ft to address significant flooding on U.S. Route 3 (Daniel Webster Highway), which represents a major regional disruption.

* Major Flood Stage: Decreased from 19.0 ft to 17.0 ft

* Moderate Flood Stage: Unchanged at 16.0 ft 

* Minor Flood Stage: Unchanged at 13.0 ft 

* Action Stage: Unchanged at 11.0 ft 

Dalton (DLTN3) 

This station is seeing a lowering of the higher-end thresholds and a raising of the Minor threshold. These adjustments account for controlled flows from the Gilman Dam and backwater from the Moore Reservoir. At the new Minor stage (18 ft), water can impact basements in low-lying homes in Dalton and Lancaster.

* Major Flood Stage: Decreased from 25.0 ft to 23.0 ft 

* Moderate Flood Stage: Decreased from 22.0 ft to 21.0 ft 

* Minor Flood Stage: Increased from 17.0 ft to 18.0 ft 

* Action Stage: Unchanged at 15.0 ft 

Wells River (WELV1) 

This station is seeing a slight downward shift across the more severe categories but a higher threshold for minor flooding. 

* Major Flood Stage: Decreased from 17.0 ft to 16.0 ft 

* Moderate Flood Stage: Unchanged at 14.0 ft 

* Minor Flood Stage: Increased from 11.0 ft to 12.0 ft 

* Action Stage: Unchanged at 9.0 ft 

West Lebanon (WLBN3) 

Unlike the other stations, West Lebanon is seeing an increase in thresholds for both the Moderate and Minor categories. The Minor stage is raised to 23 ft, marking the point when water enters shopping plaza parking lots north of Interstate 89 along Main Street.

* Major Flood Stage: Unchanged at 29.0 ft 

* Moderate Flood Stage: Increased from 26.0 ft to 27.0 ft 

* Minor Flood Stage: Increased from 22.0 ft to 23.0 ft 

* Action Stage: Unchanged at 20.0 ft 

The data and forecasts for each of these sites can be found at the National Weather Service website at: https://water.noaa.gov

The operational data for these sites are provided by our partner, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Without this critical data, accurate forecasts and warnings would not be possible.

If you require additional information regarding these changes, please contact:

Sarah Jamison Senior Service Hydrologist 

NWS Weather Forecast Office Gray, ME 

sarah.jamison@noaa.gov