Winter/Spring Flood Outlook #10
Northern & Eastern Maine
Flood Outlook due to Natural Flows is Normal for Northern Maine & Moosehead Region
Flood Outlook due to Natural Flows is Below Normal for Central Highlands to Downeast Maine
OVERVIEW:
The Risk of Ice Jams is Limited for Northern Maine.
The Risk of Ice Jams has Ended for the Central Highlands, Bangor Region & Downeast Maine.
SNOWPACK (SD) &
SNOW WATER EQUIVALENT (SWE)

“T” = Trace
Northern Basins: SDs T-8” in Eastern Areas & 10-24” West of Route 11. SWEs T-2” in Eastern Areas & 2-6” West of Route 11. SD & SWE well below normal.
Central Highlands, Moosehead & Baxter Regions: SDs 0-12” w/ lower elevations at a Trace/Bare Ground. Chimney Pond (Baxter SP @ 2914ft) SD is 27”. SWEs generally 0-2” with up to 5” at highest terrain. SD & SWE well below normal.
Downeast to Bangor Basins: Mostly bare ground. SD & SWE well below normal.
RIVER ICE
Northern Basins: 65-80% Covered. Ice continues to slowly rot in place with many openings & thinning ice. St. John: mixed conditions w/ several large openings between Dickey & Grand Isle; mostly solid Lille to Hamlin. Allagash: Openings increasing. Aroostook: mix of openings, leads. Ice conditions remaining stable.
Central Highlands, Moosehead & Baxter Regions: 15-20% Covered. Most ice has been flushed. Remaining ice rotting in place on the Pleasant & Piscataquis rivers with water routing around former jams. Penobscot has some small areas especially above dams retaining ice. Mattawamkeag & Kenduskeag are open.
Downeast to Bangor Basins: <10% Covered. Mostly free and clear on all rivers.
PRECIPITATION & TEMPERATURE OUTLOOK
Temperatures: Slightly Below Normal. Precipitation: Below to Near Normal.
Pattern: Ridging over the Atlantic & Western US will lead to a more progressive pattern in Maine. Expecting progressive systems that drive additional precipitation chances with cooler temperatures from Canada. Precipitation types remain uncertain, but April favors rain during the daylight hours and wintry mixes at night.
RIVER FLOW STATUS
Flows Below Normal to Near Normal. Expect flows to remain stable. 
FROST DEPTH
Northern Basins: 15-25” Deep, Central: 1-8” Deep. Downeast: Mostly thawed.
GROUNDWATER
Near to Below Normal due to ongoing Drought. Recharge is occurring Downeast. 
Valid Apr 2nd - 9th  
Aroostook River @ Washburn
Taken: 4/1/2026
Please Report River Ice Conditions
via Social Media or email us at nws.caribou@noaa.gov
Aroostook River in Fort Fairfield
Courtesy: Mark Bloomer - NWS Caribou
Taken: 4/1/2026
Aroostook River @ Washburn
Taken: 4/1/2026
Aroostook River in Fort Fairfield
Courtesy: Angela LaFlash - NWS Caribou
Taken: 3/30/2026