Decreases in water content ranged from 1 to 2 inches in Aroostook County to up to 4 inches in south coastal Maine. Some sites in southern and central coastal Maine are finally reporting no snow. Although much of the snow is gone from southern Maine, there is still a significant amount of water in the snowpack in the headwaters of the major rivers. Because of the high water contents in some areas, even normal amounts of rainfall, coupled with snowmelt from warming temperatures could produce river flooding. The Maine Cooperative Snow Survey conducts surveys at sites across Maine from mid-February until the snowpack is gone from the headwaters of our major rivers.
Cooperators measure snow depth and water content weekly at specific sites.
Contributors to the Maine Cooperative Snow Survey include Federal and State agencies, hydroelectric power and paper companies and Canadian and New Hampshire environmental agencies. The next snow survey will be conducted Tuesday, April 24. Surveys will be conducted every Tuesday until headwaters are substantially free of snow. The National Weather Service is closely monitoring this weather pattern. Persons living near rivers and streams should pay close attention to forecasts and be prepared to take action if necessary.