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McKay / Ripogenus

Near Millinocket, ME

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Updated: Tue, September 22, 09:17:46 pm (EDT)

1834.00 cfs as of 2026-09-22 09:13:04 PM (EDT)

Total Flow

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McKAY PUT-IN ACCESS DURING MAINTENANCE ACTIVITY

An image showing the proper path to the rafting put-in.

Great Lakes Hydro America expects McKay Station to be in an outage condition from approximately Sunday, September 20-Saturday, October 10, 2026.

Maintenance activities associated with the outage may periodically affect access near the McKay Station put-in, particularly while the crane or boom lift may be in use. To accommodate our work, raft drop-offs should occur from the upper parking lot or turnaround area outside the former gate location (green circle) and walk down to the station (green line), as the lower parking lot (red circle) adjacent to McKay Station will be unavailable during the outage.

River users should exercise caution while in the area and follow any posted signage or instructions provided by on-site personnel.


STAY SAFE

Make sure you have up to date waterflow information when you head out for a day on the water.

Call the Safe Waters hotline when in areas with limited data connectivity: 1-844-430-FLOW (3569)

Private (Noncommercial) Whitewater Boating

Maine law requires requires that any person without a commercial outfitter’s license file a free noncommercial trip registration prior to launching a whitewater craft on the Kennebec River or West Branch of the Penobscot River. The registration must be completed by each person using the craft for each day on the river.

Scheduled Station Outage - Ripogenus Gorge Flows

Fri, September 18 , 03:40 pm

There will be a scheduled outage at McKay Station beginning on Sunday, September 20, 2026, to facilitate maintenance activities. The outage is expected to commence during the evening hours. During this outage, nearly all river flow will be provided via deep gates at the dam and routed through the upper gorge. Please plan your recreational activities accordingly.

Maintenance activities associated with the outage may periodically affect access near the McKay Station put-in. Please review “More Information” for a description of these restrictions.

The outage is currently anticipated to remain in effect through approximately Saturday, October 10, 2026; however, due to weather conditions and other mitigating factors, the repair work is subject to change without prior notice.

Short-term Schedule

StartEndFlow (cfs)
9/22/26 5:00 PM9/29/26 11:59 PM1800
More Information

Long-term Schedule

Flows listed below are minimum requirements downstream of McKay Station and Ripogenus Dam. During normal operational conditions, flows can range from minimum flows (shown below) to 3,200 cfs during the applicable hours. The 3,200 cfs limit may be exceeded in certain circumstances.

 

Annual Release Schedule

May 1 – September 15 between the hours of 0830 and 1700

“Normal” hydrologic year

  • 2300 CFS on Saturday and Sunday
  • 2200 CFS on Monday and Friday
  • 2000 CFS Tuesday through Thursday

“Wet” or “Dry” hydrologic years

  • 2200 CFS on Saturday and Sunday
  • 2000 CFS on Monday and Friday
  • 1800 CFS Tuesday through Thursday
September 16-October 1 between the hours of 0830 and 1700

“Normal” hydrologic year

  • 2300 CFS on Saturday and Sunday

“Wet” or “Dry” hydrologic years

  • 2200 CFS on Saturday and Sunday
blue-box-image
Please note!

Water release schedules often change without notice due to unanticipated changes in weather conditions and power system requirements. Use caution near dams. A large amount of water may be discharged without warning at any time. Your safety depends on obeying all posted safety regulations and warnings.

Disclaimer: Water release schedules and flow levels posted by Brookfield Renewable as directed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission are for informational purposes only and are subject to change without notice. Brookfield Renewable makes no representation or warranty, expressed or implied concerning the accuracy, completeness and reliability or suitability of the data and/or information contained herein for any particular purpose. While Brookfield Renewable strives to make reasonable efforts to ensure that the data and/or information contained on the website is complete, accurate, reliable and suitable, errors may occur or information may be out dated. Brookfield Renewable at any time may revise or change the data and/or information posted without any obligation to notify past, current or prospective users.

In no event will Brookfield Renewable, its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, directors, shareholders, employees or agents be liable for any damages whatsoever in contract, tort or otherwise, including but not limited to, special, direct, indirect, general, consequential, incidental or punitive damages arising out of the use of the data and/or information posted. By accessing this website, the user acknowledges and agrees that any employment of the data and/or information posted is solely assumed and at the user’s own risk.

© 2026 Brookfield Renewable N.A.

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