ctv news atlantic New Brunswick’s 2026 River Watch began last week, on Monday, March 9, as officials highlighted the risk that rapid melting of ice and snow can lead to flooding and dangerous ice jams. The seasonal monitoring effort offers a Flood Tracker Map and daily updates intended to keep residents aware of changing river conditions during the spring freshet.
Ctv News Atlantic: River Watch Season Starts, Flood Risks Highlighted
The River Watch program, which opened on March 9, is focused on tracking the spring thaw and its impacts on waterways. Officials note that rapid melting can produce sudden increases in water levels and create ice jams that raise flood risk in river corridors. The program provides news updates and a Flood Tracker Map to the public to help communities assess local conditions.
Don Fox, Director of the Air and Water Sciences Branch at the Department of Environment and Local Government, spoke about the role of the department’s Hydrology Centre in gathering data and producing flood forecasting. The centre’s monitoring is a core element of River Watch’s effort to provide timely information as the freshet unfolds.
How Authorities Are Monitoring Rivers and Ice
Provincial Departments of Environment and Public Safety have begun close monitoring of river ice and snow melt, with particular attention on the Saint John River. The monitoring effort involves cooperation across multiple levels of government and partners, including federal and United States agencies, as well as utility and watershed group partners. These coordinated inputs support daily updates on River Watch platforms and help determine whether flood or weather warnings should be issued by the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization.
Updates are being made available daily through the River Watch mobile platform and website, and the Emergency Measures Organization stands ready to issue warnings if conditions meet thresholds for action.
Public Advisories and Practical Steps for Residents
Officials are urging residents in flood-prone areas to prepare now. Recommended precautions stressed by the River Watch program include being ready to evacuate, moving valuable belongings to higher ground, and avoiding riverbanks where currents, cold water and debris can be hazardous. The program also warns against attempting to cross waterways on foot, by vehicle, snowmobile or ATV while ice conditions deteriorate.
- Prepare an evacuation plan and be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.
- Move valuables to higher ground if property is near a waterway.
- Avoid riverbanks and all crossing of waterways as ice weakens.
- Use the toll-free River Watch line, 1-888-561-4048, for recorded updates on water levels and forecasts.
Road conditions and closures can be checked by calling 511 or consulting the River Watch website. Significant ice jams or rapidly rising water levels should be reported to the Emergency Measures Organization at 1-800-561-4034. The combination of official monitoring, partner data and public preparedness measures aims to reduce harm as the spring thaw proceeds; ctv news atlantic
The River Watch season is a focused, time-limited effort tied to the freshet. Officials emphasize that while the province has avoided significant flooding in recent years, waterways remain a threat at this time of year and vigilance will be required as melting progresses.
