Dead River
Somerset / Franklin Co. · 16 mi · Class III–IV
1,050CFS/ 4.84 ft
Below Optimal
→Stable· +50 cfs in 3h
Optimal: 2000–6000 CFS · USGS #01047000
⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
16 mi
Length
Class III–IV
Difficulty
2000–6000 cfs
Optimal
2,400 cfs
Avg Flow
2,160 cfs
Hist. Median
#01047000
USGS Gauge
Maine Rivers · Northern Forest Corridor

Dam-release whitewater classic — Flagstaff Lake releases transform the Dead River into 16 miles of continuous Class III–IV big water through the Northern Forest. One of New England's premier scheduled-release whitewater runs, right next to the Kennebec.

Trip sections
Grand Falls to Spencer Stream — 8 mi, Class III–IV, the upper gorge
Spencer Stream to The Forks — 8 mi, Class III, big-water runout
Outfitters
Crab Apple Whitewater
Dead River and Kennebec rafting, The Forks
Northern Outdoors
Dead River dam-release trips and lodging
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.