AUGUSTA (NEWS CENTER Maine) — The potential for spring flooding in Maine is above normal for most of the state this year.
That was the conclusion reached by the state’s River Flow Advisory Commission. The assessment is based on current conditions and what’s expected over the next several weeks.
The depth of the snowpack in Maine is an important indicator of whether or not the state will be prone to flooding in the spring. Despite three nor’easters in a row, the snowpack is close to normal. But it’s what may lie ahead that concerns the state’s emergency responders — that snowpack is expected to grow over the next few weeks.
"Once we get into April, we have a much greater chance of seeing a rapid warm up with heavy rain on top of that snowpack," said National Weather Service hydrologist Tom Hawley. "So there are some concerns."
Flooding is typically a concern in the spring, it is not in the winter. Flooding in downtown Hallowell in January was highly unusual, brought on by ice jams after freezing temperatures turned into a quick warm up.
"It was like putting a torch on the snowpack," Hawley said. "It melted everything off and broke that ice up and caused a lot of ice jam flooding."
If you are in a flood-prone area, acquiring federal flood insurance can give you some peace of mind. But officials warn there is a 30-day period once you request it.
"Anyone who is concerned about potential flooding in the spring, who doesn't have flood insurance, needs to act now,” said Maine state geologist Bob Marvinney.
The commission’s main goal is to gather as much information as possible about potential flooding and pass that along to the public.
"Having an informed public is one of the best pieces of preparedness that we can really ask for," said MEMA Director Suzanne Krause.
That’s why the commission will gather again in two weeks.