All the factors that contribute to flood potential are discussed below. Throughout this report, Internet addresses are listed for each category of information. It provides a connection to the ever-changing information critical to monitoring flood potential in the state. At the end of the report, additional sources are provided for further information. An updated report will be issued following a review of current conditions on May 2, or sooner if conditions warrant.
River flows throughout the state are seasonably high.
At current levels, streams have a diminished capacity to carry additional water. River basin managers report that reservoirs are beginning to fill as the long-delayed snowmelt begins to take effect, but headwater storage levels remain below normal for the time of year. Storage is still available to retain additional snowmelt and rainfall but this will decrease over the next few weeks as runoff continues and reservoirs continue to fill. River ice covers have cleared from long reaches of the major rivers as well as their tributaries in central and southern Maine rivers, including the Kennebec and Androscoggin. Northern rivers, including the St John and Aroostook and upper reaches of the Piscataquis, still have ice cover, although ice has been breaking up and showing signs of normal erosion.