Flood Details - 1984-04-16 - 1984-04-21

Restigouche River Basin: In the Restigouche River Basin, the ice on the Upsalqitch River began to run early on the morning of the April 16. This ice jammed at the confluence with the Restigouche and floodwaters began to rise. By late on April 17, the water was reported to be 10 feet [3.0 m] to 12 feet [3.7 m] deep on a portion of the highway to Wyers Brook, completely isolating three families. By April 18, the ice jam moved down the Restigouche and floodwaters in this area began to recede. This ice run was reported to have come to a halt at Rafting Ground resulting in the road being inundated to a depth of about six feet [1.8 m] to eight feet approx. 2.4 m]. Another ice jam formed just above the confluence with the Matapedia River and water was reported to be level with the highway in places. However, at about 3:00 p.m. on April 18, this ice jam moved down river to the Matapedia area. Another ice jam was reported at the railway bridge in the community of Matapedia, resulting in flooding of the Restigouche Garage, a residence and the basements of several other buildings. The ice jam in the main river moved downstream on April 20, the ice at the mouth of the Matapedia River moved out shortly afterwards and the floodwaters began to recede. At Dalhousie, the upper wharf was damaged as a result of the heavy ice buildup.

No definitive information was presented on the flood magnitude of this event. However, it was reported to be less serious than the 1983 event.

Authorities estimated the flood damages at Matapedia, Quebec, to be in the order of $50 000.