Major Flood
34 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
29 ft
Minor Flood
24 ft
Action Stage
22 ft
What Floods at Each Level
36 ft
This is a major, life threatening flood. People in flood prone areas should prepare to evacuate. Follow the directions of local officials. Serious flood impacts are expected at some factories along the river. In addition, major backwater flooding is expected on the lower Shawsheen River in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover. Know alternate routes of travel to avoid flooded areas, and bridges that may be shut down.
34 ft
Flooding occurs on low lying roads and homes, as well as lower levels of buildings along the river's historic industrial corridor. This includes portions of Riverview Street and 90 Sutton Street in North Andover, and the Riverwalk Complex in Lawrence. Substantial backwater flooding is expected on the lower Shawsheen River in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover. This includes Route 114 at I-495 Exit 42 and Mass Ave and Commonwealth Ave at I-495.
32 ft
Moderate flooding is expected in Lawrence and North Andover. Some roads and homes along the river, as well as lower levels of factory buildings and low lying parking lots along the river's historic industrial corridor, are expected to experience flooding. In North Andover, North Main Street and Riverview as well as 90 Sutton Street are impacted. Backwater flooding on the lower Shawsheen River is expected in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover.
30 ft
Floodwaters affect some businesses and parking lots in Lawrence and North Andover. In North Andover, the Merrimack River affects properties in the vicnity of North Main Street and Riverview, as well as 90 Sutton Street. Backwater flooding into the lower Shawsheen River is expected in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover. Areas affected by backwater flooding include Route 114 nearest to the river, Mass Ave at I-495, and homes in the vicinity of Glenwood, Elmwood and Fernwood Streets.
29 ft
Floodwaters affect some businesses and parking lots in Lawrence and North Andover. In North Andover, the Merrimack River affects properties in the vicnity of North Main Street and Riverview, as well as 90 Sutton Street. Backwater flooding into the lower Shawsheen River is expected in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover. Areas affected by backwater flooding include Route 114 nearest to the river, Mass Ave at I-495, and homes in the vicinity of Glenwood, Elmwood and Fernwood Streets.
28 ft
Lowland flooding is expected along the Merrimack River near Lawrence. This will affect some businesses and associated parking lots along the river. Backwater flooding along the Shawsheen River may result in flood impacts along lower Glenwood Street in North Andover, as well as businesses on Route 114 on the Lawrence-North Andover town line that are adjacent to the river.
26 ft
Minor lowland flooding is expected along the Merrimack River near Lawrence. This will affect some businesses along the river susceptible to basement flooding. In addition, backwater flooding may occur in the lower Shawsheen River area in Lawrence and North Andover. First imapcts include very lowest lying parking lots for businesses on Route 114 adjacent to the river.
24 ft
Minor lowland flooding is expected along the Merrimack River near Lawrence. This will affect some businesses along the river susceptible to basement flooding. In addition, backwater flooding may occur along the lower Shawsheen River in Lawrence and North Andover. First impacts include very lowest lying parking lot flooding for businesses on Route 114 adjacent to the river.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 19, 2023 | 25.37 ft | — |
| Apr 27, 2019 | 22.6 ft | — |
| Mar 31, 2014 | 22.48 ft | — |
About This Gauge
Get Flood Alerts for Merrimack 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 Merrimack River at Lawrence?
The Merrimack River at Lawrence gauge is maintained by USGS (site 01100500) 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 Merrimack River at Lawrence?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Merrimack River at Lawrence is 24 feet. Action stage begins at 22 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 29 feet, and major flooding at 34 feet.
How do I get alerts when Merrimack River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Merrimack River at Lawrence 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 Merrimack River at Lawrence gauge located?
The gauge is located in Essex County, Massachusetts at coordinates 42.7048°N, 71.1531°W. USGS site number: 01100500. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Merrimack River
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- Stage may be affected by ice.
- Gauge reading affected by power generation.