Rivers in Maine
Big Black River near Depot Mountain
Below flood stage
3.14ftStage
Observed Wed, Sep 30, 5:00 AM EDT
- Flood stage
- 13.50 ft
- Record crest
- 15.62 ft1987
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Moderate flood | 15.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 13.50 ft |
| Action | 12.50 ft |
- 17.00 ftThe Depot Road bridge is fully inundated and likely damaged by debris. Extensive forest flooding occurs from the Maine and Quebec border downstream to Maibec Road. Remote sporting camps approximately 3 miles downstream of the Depot Road gage in T14 R15 WELS experience significant inundation.
- 16.00 ftExtremely dangerous flood flows reach the lower bridge supports on Depot Road in T14 R16 WELS. Up to 2 feet of swiftly moving water overruns the south side of the Depot Road river crossing. Floodwaters surround and isolate remote sporting camps about 3 miles downstream of the gage in T14 R15 WELS. Remote wilderness forests downstream of the gage face widespread inundation of 2 to 5 feet. Overall flooding is similar to the April 1987 event.
- 15.00 ftFloodwaters begin to isolate wilderness camps approximately 3 miles downstream of the Depot Road gage. Backwater flooding into forested areas may completely cut off these camps from the North Woods road network. Depot Road experiences up to 1 foot of dangerously fast-flowing water on the south side of the river crossing.
- 13.50 ftDepot Road begins to flood on the right bank of the river due to constrictions at the Depot Road bridge. Floodwaters threaten remote wilderness camps approximately 3 miles downstream of the gage. Significant flooding occurs in low-lying forests from the Quebec border downstream to the Maibec Road bridge, alongside minor flooding of properties along the Maine and Quebec border.
- 12.50 ftThe river floods primarily rural, forested areas of the North Woods. Water begins to threaten remote wilderness camps downstream of the Depot Road gage.
- 12.00 ftThe river approaches bankfull and begins spilling into mainly rural forests, threatening low-lying property along the Maine and Quebec border.
Flood outlook
Chance of flooding, October to December
| Category | Chance |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | Under 5% |
| Moderate flooding | Under 5% |
| Major flooding | Under 5% |
The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 28, 2026.
Crest history
23 crests on NOAA’s list since 1984.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 1, 1987 | 15.62 ft |
| 2 | April 17, 1994 | 14.59 ft |
| 3 | April 2, 1986 | 14.17 ft |
| 4 | April 21, 2019 | 14.03 ft |
| 5 | April 30, 2008 | 13.88 ft |
| 6 | April 10, 1991 | 13.69 ft |
| 7 | April 22, 1996 | 13.41 ft |
| 8 | April 23, 1992 | 13.29 ft |
| 9 | April 24, 2009 | 12.95 ft |
| 10 | May 17, 1997 | 12.88 ft |
| 11 | April 27, 2018 | 12.78 ft |
| 12 | April 24, 2007 | 12.57 ft |
| 13 | April 12, 1993 | 12.44 ft |
| 14 | April 24, 1996 | 12.20 ft |
| 15 | April 5, 2009 | 12.02 ft |
| 16 | April 5, 2009 | 12.01 ft |
| 17 | May 1, 1984 | 12.00 ft |
| 18 | April 27, 1996 | 11.42 ft |
| 19 | September 20, 2023 | 11.28 ft |
| 20 | December 19, 2023 | 11.13 ft |
| 21 | April 28, 1990 | 10.96 ft |
| 22 | April 14, 2024 | 10.76 ft |
| 23 | April 28, 2025 | 9.30 ft |
Most recent crests
- April 28, 2025: 9.30 ft
- April 14, 2024: 10.76 ft
- December 19, 2023: 11.13 ft
- September 20, 2023: 11.28 ft
- April 21, 2019: 14.03 ft
- April 27, 2018: 12.78 ft
- April 24, 2009: 12.95 ft
- April 5, 2009: 12.01 ft
- April 5, 2009: 12.02 ft
- April 30, 2008: 13.88 ft
Nearby
Upstream, downstream and the gauges around this one.
What this means
Forecasts by the Northeast River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available. Stage may be affected by ice. Stage may be affected by ice.
Sources
Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service. Streamflow and the daily record from the U.S. Geological Survey.