Rivers in Massachusetts

Squannacook River at West Groton

Middlesex County, MassachusettsNWS WGTM3USGS 01096000Norton office

Below flood stage
1.72ftStage

Observed Wed, Sep 23, 9:00 AM EDT

Flood stage
7.00 ft
Forecast crest
1.70 ftWed, Sep 23, 2:00 PM EDT
Record crest
8.50 ft2007

Open the live map with the river flood outlook

Flood stages and impacts

CategoryStage
Major flood9.50 ft
Moderate flood8.50 ft
Minor flood7.00 ft
Action6.00 ft
  1. 9.00 ftThis is a serious flood event. Widespread flooding is expected along the river through Townsend, Shirley and Groton. Small brooks and tributaries trying to flow into the Squannacook will experience flooding as well. Some road closures may be needed. If asked to evacuate, do so immediately. Follow the directions of emergency management officials.
  2. 8.50 ftFlooding will affect portions of Townsend and Groton. Areas along Turnpike and Barker Hill Roads and along Squannacook Terrace should expect flooding. In addition, flooding also occurs on several access roads to the Townsend State Forest.
  3. 8.00 ftMinor flooding is expected in lower lying sections of Townsend including the farming areas along Turnpike and Barker Hill roads. Flooding may also spread into low lying areas along Squannacook Terrace.
  4. 7.50 ftMinor flooding affects the lowest lying sections of Townsend, including the farmland along Turnpike and Barker Hill roads.

Flood outlook

Chance of flooding, September to November

CategoryChance
Minor flooding8%
Moderate floodingUnder 5%
Major floodingUnder 5%

The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 21, 2026.

Crest history

41 crests on NOAA’s list since 1951.

#DateStage
1April 17, 20078.50 ft
2April 6, 19878.16 ft
3April 2, 20048.07 ft
4October 16, 19558.04 ft
5March 15, 20108.03 ft
6October 21, 19967.62 ft
7March 31, 20107.56 ft
8April 17, 19967.46 ft
9March 20, 19837.41 ft
10January 10, 19567.32 ft
11February 26, 20107.31 ft
12April 1, 19877.30 ft
13March 14, 19777.22 ft
14March 8, 20117.21 ft
15April 6, 19847.21 ft
16May 15, 20067.07 ft
17September 12, 19547.00 ft
18March 10, 19986.93 ft
19September 19, 20186.90 ft
20April 2, 19626.88 ft
21March 19, 19686.82 ft
22March 7, 19796.79 ft
23October 16, 20056.70 ft
24April 6, 19606.70 ft
25January 27, 19866.63 ft

Most recent crests

  • September 19, 2018: 6.90 ft
  • March 31, 2014: 6.15 ft
  • March 8, 2011: 7.21 ft
  • March 31, 2010: 7.56 ft
  • March 15, 2010: 8.03 ft
  • February 26, 2010: 7.31 ft
  • July 3, 2009: 6.27 ft
  • March 9, 2008: 6.00 ft
  • April 17, 2007: 8.50 ft
  • May 15, 2006: 7.07 ft

Nearby

Upstream, downstream and the gauges around this one.

What this means

Forecasts by the Northeast River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued routinely year-round. Gauge reading may be affected by ice. Forecast flows are unadjusted for 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.