Winter/Spring Flood Outlook #9
Northern & Eastern Maine
Flood Outlook due to Natural Flows is Normal for Northern Maine & Central Highlands
Flood Outlook due to Natural Flows is Below Normal for Bangor Region & Downeast Maine
OVERVIEW:
The Risk of Ice Jams is Limited for the Central Highlands & Northern Maine.
The Risk of Ice Jams has Ended for the Bangor Region & Downeast Maine.
SNOWPACK (SD) &
SNOW WATER EQUIVALENT (SWE)

“T” = Trace
Northern Basins: SDs 4-16”. SWEs 1.5-4.5”. Highest values in the North Woods in the Upper St. John Basin. SD & SWE well below normal.
Central Highlands, Moosehead & Baxter Regions: SDs 0-18” with most areas a Trace or Bare Ground. Chimney Pond (Baxter SP @ 2914ft) SD is 23”. SWEs generally 0-3” 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: 75-90% Covered. Ice continues to slowly rot in place, especially near headwaters and in runoff areas. St. John: mixed conditions w/ several large openings between Dickey & Grand Isle; solid Lille to Hamlin. Allagash: patchy openings. Aroostook: mix of openings, leads, and thick ice while remaining stable.
Central Highlands, Moosehead & Baxter Regions: 30-40% Covered. Ice slowly rotting in place. Pleasant & Piscataquis jams remain stable with no flooding. Penobscot & Piscataquis mostly open, except behind dams (E. Branch retains some ice). Mattawamkeag & Kenduskeag (Bangor) are mostly open.
Downeast to Bangor Basins: <10% Covered. Mostly free and clear on all rivers.
PRECIPITATION & TEMPERATURE OUTLOOK
Temperatures: Slightly Below Normal. Precipitation: Slightly Above Normal.
Pattern: Troughing over the Northeast allows cold air to return early in the outlook. The pattern turns zonal in the second half of the outlook, bringing near-normal temperatures. Progressive systems will drive additional precipitation. Precipitation types remain uncertain, but the approach of April favors rain over snow.
RIVER FLOW STATUS
Flows Normal except Below Normal Downeast. Expect flows to remain steady. 
FROST DEPTH
Northern Basins: 15-25” Deep, Central: 1-9” Deep. Downeast: Mostly thawed.
GROUNDWATER
Below Normal due to ongoing Moderate to Severe Drought. Recharge occurring. 
Valid Mar 26th- Apr 2nd  
Aroostook River @ Washburn
Taken: 3/24/2026
Please Report River Ice Conditions
via Social Media or email us at nws.caribou@noaa.gov
Pleasant River Ice Jam in Milo
Courtesy: Maine Civil Air Patrol
Taken: 3/20/2026
St. John River @ Fort Kent
Taken: 3/23/2026
Allagash River @ Allagash
On the Inn Road
Taken: 3/23/2026
Piscataquis River in Medford
Courtesy: Maine Civil Air Patrol
Taken: 3/20/2026