Rivers in Massachusetts
Merrimack River at Lowell
Below flood stage
42.15ftStage
Observed Tue, Sep 22, 1:30 AM EDT
- Flood stage
- 52.00 ft
- Forecast crest
- 41.80 ftTue, Sep 22, 8:00 AM EDT
- Record crest
- 68.40 ft1936
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 58.00 ft |
| Moderate flood | 54.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 52.00 ft |
| Action | 50.00 ft |
- 65.00 ftThis 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.
- 62.00 ftThis 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.
- 60.00 ftThis 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.
- 58.00 ftFlooding 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.
- 56.00 ftFlooding 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.
- 55.00 ftFlooding 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.
- 52.00 ftLowland flooding is likely along the Merrimack River. Most of the impact will be felt by businesses and mills where basement flooding is likely.
Flood outlook
Chance of flooding, September to November
| 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 14, 2026.
Crest history
60 crests on NOAA’s list since 1852.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 20, 1936 | 68.40 ft |
| 2 | April 23, 1852 | 60.60 ft |
| 3 | September 23, 1938 | 60.57 ft |
| 4 | May 15, 2006 | 58.84 ft |
| 5 | April 17, 2007 | 58.09 ft |
| 6 | April 7, 1987 | 57.16 ft |
| 7 | November 5, 1927 | 56.50 ft |
| 8 | April 20, 1933 | 56.00 ft |
| 9 | April 6, 1960 | 56.00 ft |
| 10 | April 1, 2010 | 54.64 ft |
| 11 | April 14, 1934 | 54.02 ft |
| 12 | June 1, 1984 | 53.71 ft |
| 13 | March 16, 2010 | 53.63 ft |
| 14 | March 15, 1977 | 53.41 ft |
| 15 | April 8, 1924 | 53.40 ft |
| 16 | March 31, 1925 | 53.30 ft |
| 17 | December 20, 2023 | 53.16 ft |
| 18 | October 23, 1996 | 53.10 ft |
| 19 | April 18, 1996 | 53.05 ft |
| 20 | April 14, 1940 | 52.93 ft |
| 21 | March 28, 1953 | 52.93 ft |
| 22 | April 3, 2004 | 52.80 ft |
| 23 | April 4, 2005 | 52.77 ft |
| 24 | June 18, 1998 | 52.74 ft |
| 25 | March 21, 1983 | 52.67 ft |
Most recent crests
- May 11, 2025: 52.30 ft
- December 20, 2023: 53.16 ft
- April 1, 2010: 54.64 ft
- March 16, 2010: 53.63 ft
- April 17, 2007: 58.09 ft
- May 15, 2006: 58.84 ft
- April 4, 2005: 52.77 ft
- April 3, 2004: 52.80 ft
- March 31, 2003: 50.38 ft
- April 15, 2001: 50.95 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.