With mild temperatures and rain in the forecast, the Emergency Measures Organization is warning New Brunswickers to keep off rivers because of the potential for rapid melting and ice deterioration.
Skier Mike Blanchet says he’s been keeping a close eye on ice conditions on the Kennebecasis River.
“Two years it was open on the third of April, so that’s how much it can vary, and at this rate, it will probably be at least a few weeks,” he says.
Ice fisherman Norm White says he’s sitting on more ice than he’s ever seen in late March.
“Three feet of ice, your auger is lucky to get through, that’s a lot of ice,” says White.
The Emergency Measures Organization says much of the ice will deteriorate over the next few days, and the snow cover can be deceiving.
“The snow, the heavy snow on it is an insulator, so this may not be as thick as you think it is in a lot of places,” says Mark Wilson of the Saint John Fire Department.
While the amount of rain in the forecast wouldn’t normally be cause for concern, officials say there’s more snow on the ground this winter, and ice and river levels are already higher than normal.
Ice fisherman along the Kennebecasis are especially concerned about the forecast and are keeping a close eye on the river to ensure the ice doesn’t separate from the shore.
“The big thing we got to watch is the shoreline. Out here, with the rain coming tomorrow, the rain will take away a lot of the snow, but the shoreline, as long as that stays in, things aren’t too bad,” says Gary Gower of the Renforth Ice Fishing Association.
Inland, crews are busy trying to find storm drains that remain buried under ice and snow. Some Saint John residents are taking matters into their own hands and clearing the drains themselves.
“Lots of rain, so get the drains open so it doesn’t flood. This area is prone to flooding,” says John Kindred, who lives in a low-lying area west of Saint John.
The city has asked residents to help clear storm drains before the wet weather hits.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Mike Cameron
