Major Flood
58 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
54 ft
Minor Flood
52 ft
Action Stage
50 ft
What Floods at Each Level
65 ft
This is a serious flood event. All persons along the Merrimack River should follow the evacuation recommendations from your local emergency managemant officials. If asked to evacuate, do so immediately. All flood protection measures must be rushed to completion in flood prone areas.
62 ft
This is a serious flood event. All persons along the Merrimack River should follow the evacuation recommendations from your local emergency managemant officials. If asked to evacuate, do so immediately. All flood protection measures must be rushed to completion in flood prone areas.
60 ft
This is a serious flood event. All persons along the Merrimack River from the Massachusetts border through Methuen should follow the evacuation recommendations from your local emergency managemant officials. If asked to evacuate, do so immediately. All flood protection measures must be rushed to completion in flood prone areas.
58 ft
Flooding is expected to overspread portions of Route 113 above Pawtucket Falls. Also, portions of Route 110 and several homes and businesses along Route 110 heading north and east into Tewksbury may begin to experience flooding. Follow the direction of your local emergency management officals. If asked to evacuate, do so immediately.
56 ft
Flooding will become more widespread from the New Hampshire border through Methuen. Those areas outside local flood protection should take measures to protect property. Follow the directions of your local emergency management agency.
55 ft
Flooding will become more widespread from the New Hampshire border through Methuen. Those areas outside local flood protection should take measures to protect property. Follow the directions of your local emergency management agency.
52 ft
Lowland flooding is likely along the Merrimack River. Most of the impact will be felt by businesses and mills where basement flooding is likely.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 19, 1936 | 68.4 ft | 173,000 cfs |
| Apr 22, 1852 | 60.6 ft | 108,000 cfs |
| Sep 22, 1938 | 60.57 ft | 121,100 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
LOWM3
River
Merrimack River
County
Middlesex, MA
Coordinates
42.6459°N, 71.2984°W
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 Lowell?
The Merrimack River at Lowell gauge is maintained by USGS (site 01100000) 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 Lowell?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Merrimack River at Lowell is 52 feet. Action stage begins at 50 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 54 feet, and major flooding at 58 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 Lowell 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 Lowell gauge located?
The gauge is located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts at coordinates 42.6459°N, 71.2984°W. USGS site number: 01100000. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Merrimack River
On This River
Upstream: Merrimack River at Nashua
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- Gauge reading may be affected by ice. Forecast flows are unadjusted for ice.