Earlier today (Jan 26) the Kennebec River in Augusta became jammed as Ice flows piled up against each other in a crushing display of mother nature. The water level came up fast and in no time filled the parking lot behind Augusta’s Water Street stores and businesses. At least one car was nearly under water and another was in peril. The river did not seem to be getting any higher in the hour or so I was there but many officials seemed to have more questions than answers as to what the ice flow will do next. The next high tide will be around 11:30 tonight.
Kennebec Emergency Management Agency Director, Richard Beausoleil, told me that he thought that water was flowing under the ice jam which is a good sign. He also said that it is always better to see the ice flow on the move. While we talked the flow had stopped moving. Beausoleil didn’t seem to be overly concerned but stressed, “it is hard to predict what the ice and the river will do so we will be watching and waiting until something happens.”
The Valley Voice will keep you posted on any new developments and, of course, Hallowell, Gardiner, and down toward Richmond should monitor their local news for any updates on the situation.
