McKay / Ripogenus

Near Millinocket, ME

Updated: Mon, May 18, 06:44:40 am (EDT)

3012.00 cfs as of 2026-05-18 06:40:24 AM (EDT)

Total Flow

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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.

Planned Siren Testing - May 18-20

Fri, May 15 , 12:00 am

Brookfield Renewable N.A. will perform maintenance testing of its River Monitoring System sirens May 18 through May 20.

These sirens are located at the Big Eddy Campground, at three sites in the town of Medway, downstream of the Weldon Dam, and at Jordan Mills.
The siren at each site will be activated momentarily to verify proper operation.

Due to weather conditions or other unplanned circumstances, the testing schedule is subject to change without prior notice.

Flows Increasing and Recreational Releases Resuming

Mon, May 11 , 11:53 am

With improving hydrologic conditions and rain in the forecast this week, Great Lakes Hydro America will be increasing flows at McKay/ Ripogenus earlier than previously anticipated expected. The May 12-15 recreational releases will occur as scheduled.

Short-term Schedule

5/15/2026 12:00 AM5/17/202611:59 PM2400 CFS
5/18/2026 12:00 AM5/22/2026 11:59 PM3000
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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
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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.