McKay / Ripogenus

Near Millinocket, ME

Updated: Sat, May 30, 04:19:50 am (EDT)

2050.00 cfs as of 2026-05-30 04:16:12 AM (EDT)

Total Flow

More Information

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.

Short-term Schedule

StartEndFlow (CFS)
5/29/2026 08:00 AM5/29/2026 5:00 PM2400 CFS
5/29/2026 5:00 PM5/30/2026 8:00 AM2000 CFS
5/30/2026 8:00 AM5/30/2026 5:00 PM2400 CFS
5/30/2026 5:00 PM5/31/2026 8:00 AM2000 CFS
5/31/2026 8:00 AM5/31/2026 5:00 PM2400 CFS
5/31/2026 5:00 PM6/1/2026 8:00 AM2000 CFS
6/1/2026 8:00 AM6/1/2026 5:00 PM2400 CFS
6/1/2026 5:00 PM6/6/2026 11:59 PM2000 CFS
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
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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.