Rivers in Massachusetts
Squannacook River at West Groton
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
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 9.50 ft |
| Moderate flood | 8.50 ft |
| Minor flood | 7.00 ft |
| Action | 6.00 ft |
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
| Category | Chance |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | 8% |
| Moderate flooding | Under 5% |
| Major flooding | Under 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.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 17, 2007 | 8.50 ft |
| 2 | April 6, 1987 | 8.16 ft |
| 3 | April 2, 2004 | 8.07 ft |
| 4 | October 16, 1955 | 8.04 ft |
| 5 | March 15, 2010 | 8.03 ft |
| 6 | October 21, 1996 | 7.62 ft |
| 7 | March 31, 2010 | 7.56 ft |
| 8 | April 17, 1996 | 7.46 ft |
| 9 | March 20, 1983 | 7.41 ft |
| 10 | January 10, 1956 | 7.32 ft |
| 11 | February 26, 2010 | 7.31 ft |
| 12 | April 1, 1987 | 7.30 ft |
| 13 | March 14, 1977 | 7.22 ft |
| 14 | March 8, 2011 | 7.21 ft |
| 15 | April 6, 1984 | 7.21 ft |
| 16 | May 15, 2006 | 7.07 ft |
| 17 | September 12, 1954 | 7.00 ft |
| 18 | March 10, 1998 | 6.93 ft |
| 19 | September 19, 2018 | 6.90 ft |
| 20 | April 2, 1962 | 6.88 ft |
| 21 | March 19, 1968 | 6.82 ft |
| 22 | March 7, 1979 | 6.79 ft |
| 23 | October 16, 2005 | 6.70 ft |
| 24 | April 6, 1960 | 6.70 ft |
| 25 | January 27, 1986 | 6.63 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.