Flood Details - 2011-04-27 - 2011-05-13

Seasonal weather resulted in a relatively uneventful spring freshet season in 2011. A water level watch was issued on April 27th, as water levels were expected to rise from rain and above-freezing temperatures. A flood warning was issued the following day, however less rainfall occurred than what was expected, and river levels did not increase significantly. On May 2nd, a water level warning was issued for the Saint-Hilaire, Fredericton, and Jemseg areas as water levels were expected to approach or meet flood stage in the coming days. By May 7th, Saint-Hilaire, Fredericton, Maugerville, Jemseg, and Sheffield-Lakeville Corner had all reached their respective flood stages. A section of Route 105 was closed on the 7th when the Saint John River overflowed its banks. Near the Country Pumpkin on Route 105, concrete pylons and a huge water filled orange tube on loan from the Oromocto Fire Department were set up alongside of the road to try and spare the business any water damage. The worst spot along Route 105 was located near True’s Greenhouse close to the Burton Bridge. Elsewhere in the Fredericton area, Tripp Settlement Road was cut off and water was pooling around the Burtts Corner-Keswick areas in low lying fields. The parking lot on Queen Street next to the Royal Canadian Legion was partially flooded, as well as parts of McMinniman Court, Timber Lane and Bourque Lane. Waters crested a few centimeters short of 7.2 meters on the 7th and started to recede on the 8th, sparing the capital city of any major damage. By the 8th, water levels in the northern parts of the province had fallen below flood stage and were expected to continue to decrease. Water levels in Fredericton, Maugerville, Jemseg, and Sheffield-Lakeville Corner were all still above flood stage. On May 10th, Route 690 at McGowans Corner was closed when water covered the road. Beach Road in the Millidgeville area of Saint John was closed indefinitely due to debris over the road from the Kennebecasis River. Residents needing to get to their homes beyond the road closure were forced to do so by foot. By May 13th, the only area left above flood stage was Jemseg, and waters in the area were receding.

High water level (flood stage): Fredericton: 7.12 m (6.5 m) Maugerville: 6.17 m (6.0 m) Jemseg: 4.98 m (4.3 m)

No major damages were reported during the 2011 spring freshet.