Flood Details - 1991-05-04 - 1991-05-05

Nepisiguit River: On May 3 and 4th, exceptionally high water levels occurred at the Stone Consolidated hydro dam at Grand Falls, about 25 km southeast of Bathurst. Steady rainfall over three to four days, combined with the normal spring freshet, caused increased river flows. An upstream boom, used to prevent logs and other woody debris from entering the dam¿s sluice gates, broke on May 3 and released the material it had been holding back. A RCMP officer inspected the site the following day and found no apparent danger. By May 5, approximately 35 logs had been removed from the main sluice gates, thus allowing more discharge through the gates and reducing the risks of damage to the rest of the dam. High water levels caused some flooding on the Pabineau Reserve, located 20 km downstream of the dam near the confluence of the Pabineau and Nepisiguit rivers. The approach to a bridge across the Pabineau River was flooded by 0.3 metres of water, and the high water level came close to the well used to supply the reserve¿s fresh water. The grounds of the Nepisiguit River Camps also sustained flood damages, primarily to the landscaping. Middle River: Some flooding occurred on Middle River Road in the Bathurst area on May 4 and 5th.

Nepisiguit River: Water levels rose by over one metre from May 2 to May 4, then decreased approximately 0.8 metres by May 5. Chief Ben Paul at Pabineau Reserve said, the flooding was the worst in at least 30 years». Floodwaters rose to about level with the foundation of the Chief's house, located in the lowest area on the reserve. At its peak, floodwaters were within 0.15 to 0.20 metres of the underside of the bridge crossing the Pabineau River. A worker at the Stone Consolidated hydro dam said the water level was the highest he had seen since 1957. Middle River: Floodwaters were approximately 0.3 metres deep around the Poirer home in Middle River, on May 4.

The estimate of damage to the grounds of the Nepisiguit River Camps was in the order of $5 000.