Major Flood
24 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
20 ft
Minor Flood
17 ft
Action Stage
15.5 ft
What Floods at Each Level
25 ft
Comparable to the FEMA 0.2 percent flood level. Record flooding similar to the Flood of 1923.
24 ft
Transportation across the area will be severely impacted. Several portions of US Route 2 flooded and impassable between West Enfield and Milford. State Route 116 has extensive flooding between the Stillwater River and Howland.
23 ft
Comparable to the FEMA 1 percent flood level with similar impacts to the 1987 floods. Significant flooding of US Route 2 from Sunkhaze Stream to Greenbush Station with several homes inundated. Significant flooding of State Route 116 in areas from the Stillwater River north to Lagoon Lane in Howland.
21 ft
Closure of Route 2 likely between Greenbush and Milford. Flooding on US Route 2 can occur along the confluences with the Sunkhaze Stream or Costigan Brook in Milford, and the Boonridge or Stevens Brook in Greenbush due to backwater effects.
20 ft
Extensive flooding along US Route 2 and State Route 116 between Howland and West Enfield to Old Town and Milford. Extensive backwater issues on several streams and creeks will cause minor flooding of US Route 2 and State Route 116. Homes and structures near the Penobscot River and tributaries will be threatened by flood waters.
18 ft
River is out of banks with extensive flooding along low-lying areas of US Route 2 and State Route 116. Extensive backwater flooding on Costigan Brook, Sunkhaze Stream, Olamon Stream, Lancaster Brook and Passadumkeag River will encroach on structures between Milford and West Enfield similar to December 2023 flooding. Greenfield Road floods and impassable between St. Regis Road to near Lindey Lane.
17 ft
Low-lying flooding of properties close to the river between West Enfield and Milford. Backwater issues will cause low-lying flooding on the Sunkhaze and Olamon Stream, Costigan and Boombridge Brook and Passadumkeag River.
16 ft
River approaches bankfull, basement flooding is possible and dangerous flows pose a threat to life for river activities.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 1923 | 25.15 ft | 153,000 cfs |
| Apr 1, 1987 | 23.58 ft | 147,000 cfs |
| Mar 20, 1936 | 22.03 ft | 125,000 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
WENM1
River
Penobscot River
County
Penobscot, ME
Coordinates
45.2361°N, 68.6514°W
Get Flood Alerts for Penobscot River
StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Penobscot River at West Enfield?
The Penobscot River at West Enfield gauge is maintained by USGS (site 01034500) and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Penobscot River at West Enfield?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Penobscot River at West Enfield is 17 feet. Action stage begins at 15.5 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 20 feet, and major flooding at 24 feet.
How do I get alerts when Penobscot River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Penobscot River at West Enfield to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category.
Where is the Penobscot River at West Enfield gauge located?
The gauge is located in Penobscot County, Maine at coordinates 45.2361°N, 68.6514°W. USGS site number: 01034500. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- Stage may be affected by ice.
- Gauge reading may be affected by ice. Forecast flows are unadjusted for ice.
- Gauge reading may be affected by ice. Forecast flows are unadjusted for ice.