No Flooding Along The Saint John River – Yet

New Brunswickers living along rivers and streams are being reminded to prepare for the spring freshet.

Water levels along the Saint John River are starting to rise, according to the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization.

But spokesperson Geoffrey Downey says the weather has been perfect for snowmelt this spring — so far.

“Right now, the snowpack is below what we saw last year but above the 30-year average, as well as the water content in the snow, which plays an important role in how much water ends up in the river,” said Downey.

Environment Canada is forecasting rain and double-digit temperatures for parts of the province this weekend, but Downey said temperatures will be closer to normal in the north, which is crucial.

“The flood water is coming from melting snow in the north, so if it keeps tracking along just above freezing during the day and back below freezing at night, that slow, steady melt really bodes well,” he said.

During the River Watch season, New Brunswickers should be prepared for possible flooding.

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— Government of NB (@Gov_NB) April 12, 2019

But Downey said too much rain in northwestern New Brunswick can quickly change the situation, which is why it is important to start preparing now.

“That can mean say buying sandbags, it can mean building your 72-hour preparedness kit, it can mean making your evacuation plan if you live in an area that’s prone to severe flooding,” he said.

Downey said there is still quite a bit of ice in the Saint John River at this point, so ice jams are also a possibility.

The annual River Watch program began on March 12. Residents can call the River Watch toll-free number at 1-888-561-4048 to receive the latest recorded water levels, forecasts and public advisories.

If you see significant ice jams or rising water, you can report it to NBEMO by calling 1-800-561-4034.