DATE: Friday, March 6, 2026
Contact: Spencer Roberts, MEMA Public Outreach Specialist
Cell: (207) 620-0960
Email: [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUGUSTA, MAINE - The Maine River Flow Advisory Commission met on Thursday, March 5th, to review current ice conditions, stream flow levels, and flood risks across the state. Experts from federal, state, and local agencies provided updates on Maine's hydrologic conditions, snowpack levels, and the spring weather outlook.

The state remains in drought conditions that began last year and the combination of low water and cold temperatures have led to significant ice formation. Maine is experiencing the most widespread and thick ice conditions since 2015 and ice jam risk is considered elevated. Because ice jam flooding is sudden and separate from general water volume, it isn't included in standard long-range flood forecasts. However, they can be damaging and a risk to life and property, so should be monitored closely through the spring thaw.

Based on the latest data, Maine is at below normal risk for spring flooding due to near record low stream flows and below normal snow water content. Flood projections for major river systems remain well below historical averages. River flooding is more likely to occur on small streams and tributaries if at all.

"There's a lot of space for water if we needed to put it somewhere, but because of that very thick ice we are worried about ice jam flooding. We have upcoming River Ice Spotter Training for those interested in supporting monitoring efforts." said James Sinko, Hydrology Program Manager WFO Caribou. (See end of release for registration link.)

The National Weather Service reports that snowfall has been below normal in most of the state, with a particularly dry February. With warmer temperatures anticipated in the next few weeks Maine is expected to experience significant snow melt, especially in southern parts of the state. Abundant storage in wetlands and other low lying areas means this gradual melt is unlikely to impact river levels.

Ice & River Navigation Conditions

The U.S. Coast Guard reported that tugboats will be in the Penobscot River next week to perform ice-breaking operations. Additional ice-breaking may take place on Kennebec later this month. They encourage all ice-fishing tents to be removed from the Kennebec by the end of next week. "We work closely with partners to monitor Maine's spring flood risk." said LT. Amanda Barnett, U.S. Coast Guard. "Coast Guard Sector Northern New England is ready for any potential ice jams and has three 65-foot icebreaking tugs and one 140-foot icebreaker."

Flood Safety Awareness Week - March 9th-14th, 2025

Next week is Flood Safety Awareness Week, an effort to educate the public about flood risks and preparedness. MEMA urges all Maine residents to take steps to protect their homes, businesses, and families.

Flood preparedness tips include:

• Know Your Risk: Visit floodsmart.gov to see if your property is in a flood zone.
• Consider Flood Insurance: Policies take 30 days to go into effect-plan ahead.
• Stay Informed: Sign up for emergency alerts and monitor National Weather Service forecasts.
• Have an Emergency Plan: Prepare an evacuation plan and have an emergency kit ready.
• Follow us on social media for additional tips and information.

Flooding remains the nation's most common natural disaster, and standard homeowner and business insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Even if you are not in a high-risk flood zone, heavy rainfall events can still cause flooding in unexpected areas.

"Since 2009 the number of active flood insurance policies in Maine has dropped by over 50%." said Sue Baker, State Coordinator of the Floodplain Management Program. "We strongly encourage homeowners and renters to review their flood risk and discuss coverage with an insurance agent."

Conclusion

Commission members will continue monitoring conditions throughout the spring.

"Despite the data showing generally low and below normal risks none of us are saying that there is a zero risk until the ground thaws, the snow is gone and the river ice is gone." said Sarah Jamison, Senior Service Hydrologist WFO Gray. "Until then we are going to be at risk and if anyone here says we can trust the weather in spring in Maine enough to put our guard down, that's just not wise advice."

The River Flow Advisory Commission will reconvene only if conditions warrant. Given ongoing drought conditions, it is also possible that the Drought Task Force may need to reconvene.

Maine's River Flow Advisory Commission consists of members from the US Geological Survey, Maine Geological Survey, Department of Environmental Protection, National Weather Service in Gray and Caribou, US Coast Guard, University of Maine, Maine Emergency Management Agency, Brookfield Renewable, the Maine CDC Drinking Water Program, and the Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry/Floodplain Management Program. The Commission was originally formed after the spring floods of 1983 to improve the exchange of hydrologic information collected by the members, to review the data, and to provide information to emergency action agencies and the public. It was created in statute by the Legislature in 1997.

Once complete the commission's report will be made available on MEMA's website at maine.gov/mema/hazards/river-flow-advisory-commission.

Other Resources

• Maine DEP Flood Reference Guide for Municipalities
• US Drought Monitor - Weekly national drought status updates showing intensity and location of drought conditions.
• Maine Cooperative Snow Survey - Tracks snowpack and water content data to assess potential water supply conditions.
• USGS Streamflow Monitor - Real-time data on streamflow levels across Maine to monitor drought effects on surface water.
• USGS Ground Water Monitor - Provides groundwater level data to assess drought impacts on aquifers and wells.

Virtual training on "Ice Jams 101" - session on the science and safe monitoring of river ice.
When: March 11 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Who: Open to everyone!
Hosts: NWS Caribou, Gray, Burlington, Boston, and the Northeast River Forecast Center.
Register here.

For safety and preparedness information, visit MEMA's website or find us on Facebook, Bluesky, X and Nextdoor.

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