Winter/Spring Flood Outlook #7
Northern & Eastern Maine
Flood Outlook due to Natural Flows is Below Normal
OVERVIEW:
The Risk of Ice Jams is Above Normal for the Central Highlands, Bangor Region & Downeast Maine.
The Risk of Ice Jams is Normal for Northern Maine (St. John & Aroostook Basins).
SNOWPACK (SD) &
SNOW WATER EQUIVALENT (SWE)

“T” = Trace
Northern Basins: SDs 5-15” w/ isolated amounts up to 25”. SWEs 1.5-4” w/ isolated higher amounts. SD & SWE below normal.
Central Highlands, Moosehead & Baxter Regions: SDs 0-10” w/ isolated higher amounts up to 2.5ft. Chimney Pond (Baxter SP @ 2914ft) SD is 23”. SWEs generally 0-3” with amounts up to 5” at highest terrain. SD & SWE below normal.
Downeast to Bangor Basins: SDs generally 0-8” w/ isolated higher amounts in the higher terrain to 15”. SWEs 0-3”. SD & SWE below normal.
RIVER ICE
Northern Basins: The St. John and Aroostook Basins remain 90–95% ice-covered, though recent runoff has created new openings and areas of ice rot. Conditions are dangerously thin in spots, with thickness varying significantly from a few inches to 2ft. The ice is primarily grey and white, with some black ice noted.
Central Highlands, Moosehead & Baxter Regions: 80-90% ice cover in the Penobscot & Piscataquis Basins w/ exception near & downstream of dam/mill discharges. Several areas of ice rot causing very thin ice conditions. Ice thickness significantly varying between few inches to 2ft. Ice is grey & white.
Downeast to Bangor Basins: 70-85% ice cover. Several areas of ice rot causing very thin ice conditions. Ice thickness significantly varying 4-15 inches.
PRECIPITATION & TEMPERATURE OUTLOOK
Temperatures: Above Normal. Precipitation: Above Normal.
Pattern: Several systems will impact the region through the outlook period, likely bringing mixed precipitation and significant accumulations. As the ground remains largely frozen, any rain or melt will run off into rivers, increasing flows and the risk of mechanical ice breakup.
RIVER FLOW STATUS
Flows are Below Normal. Expect flows to rise. 
FROST DEPTH
Northern Basins: 20-30” Deep, Central & Downeast: 4-16” Deep.
GROUNDWATER
Below Normal to Well Below Normal due to ongoing Moderate to Severe Drought. 
Valid Mar 12th-19th  
St. John River @ Dickey Bridge
Taken: 3/9/2026
Please Report River Ice Conditions
via Social Media or email us at nws.caribou@noaa.gov
Aroostook River @ Fort Fairfield
Taken: 3/9/2026