Contact: Spencer Roberts
Cell: (207) 620-0960
Email: spencer.roberts@maine.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUSTA, MAINE — The Maine River Flow Advisory Commission met on Thursday, March 6th, to review current ice conditions, streamflow 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.
Based on the latest data, Maine is at below-normal risk for spring flooding due to below-average streamflow and low snow water content. Ice jam risk is slightly above normal due to thick river ice across the interior. However, no major concerns have been reported. The National Weather Service reports that snowfall has been below normal in most of the state, except for southern Maine, and recent precipitation trends indicate variable amounts through the winter, with a notably dry January. Streamflows are below normal due to lingering drought conditions and groundwater remains low, with little to no recharge since last spring, apart from some improvement in December.
Ice & River Navigation Conditions
The U.S. Coast Guard reported that this has been a mild ice season overall, though there was more ice than normal earlier in the year. Currently, there are no known ice jams of concern on major rivers like the Androscoggin and Kennebec, but some lingering risks remain on the Penobscot River.
"The Coast Guard plays a critical role in conducting icebreaking operations to ensure Northeast communities have the security, supplies, energy, and emergency resources they need throughout the winter." said Lt. Commander Aaron Davis. "We work closely with partners to monitor Maine’s spring flood risk. Coast Guard Sector Northern New England is ready for any potential ice jams and has two 65-foot icebreaking tugs and one 140-foot icebreaker scheduled to break ice on the Penobscot River early next week to keep the river flowing."
Flood Risk & Preparedness
Flooding remains the nation’s most common natural disaster, and standard homeowner and business insurance policies do not cover flood damage.
Sue Baker, State Coordinator of the Floodplain Management Program, advises property owners to check whether they are in a flood-prone area and consider flood insurance, especially since policies take 30 days to go into effect.
"Even if you are not in a high-risk flood zone, heavy rainfall events can still cause flooding in unexpected areas," said Baker. "We strongly encourage homeowners and renters to review their flood risk and discuss coverage with an insurance agent."
Flood Safety Awareness Week – March 9th-15th, 2025
Next week marks 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.
"We encourage all Mainers to use this week as an opportunity to learn more about flood safety and take proactive steps," said MEMA Director Pete Rogers.
Commission members will continue monitoring conditions throughout the spring. The River Flow Advisory Commission will reconvene only if conditions warrant. Given the 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.
The Commission's report will be made available on MEMA’s website at maine.gov/mema/hazards/river-flow-advisory-commission or call (207) 624-4400.
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