The April–May 2008 flood event in the Saint John River Basin: Causes, assessment and damages

Abstract

In April–May 2008, New Brunswick (NB) experienced its worst spring flooding in 35 years along the entire length of the Saint John River and several of its tributaries. Snow water equivalent (SWE) in the snowpack had remained high during the winter and early spring. Warm temperatures and rainfall caused some of the snowpack to melt, which resulted in an increase in river water levels above flood stage in several communities. A major storm on 28 and 29 April 2008 produced heavy rainfall in the upper basin, and this rain-on-snow event resulted in severe flooding at several communities along the river. The flood affected some 1600 properties, causing in excess of CAD $23 million in damages (2008 dollars), but no deaths or serious injuries resulted.