Caribou, ME – Maine residents can expect a quieter spring flood season this year, especially across central and southern regions of the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, the 11th Winter/Spring Flood Outlook, issued April 17, forecasts below normal flood potential through May 1 for Southern Aroostook, the Central Highlands, the Bangor Region, and Downeast Maine. Meanwhile, the outlook remains normal for Northern Maine, stretching from the Moosehead Region to northeastern Aroostook County.
This season’s below-normal threat stems from reduced snowpack in southern areas. Northern basins still report up to 25 inches in shaded forested areas, with higher snow depths lingering in elevated terrain. However, snow water equivalents (SWE) remain low across most of the state, reducing runoff risks.
River levels are running normal to slightly above, driven by early snowmelt and spring thaw. Groundwater levels are well below normal in some regions, especially Baxter State Park, though slight improvements are ongoing.
Thawing frost continues, with depths ranging from 0–8 inches in the south to 12–30 inches up north.
Residents are advised to monitor local alerts and use caution near rivers and streams, especially as warmer temperatures accelerate melting in late April.
