Bancroft’s Fire Chief says he’s optimistic there won’t be huge flooding concerns, as the snow melts this spring.
Pat Hoover says the melt so far hasn’t been unusual, which is a good sign that there won’t be big surprises in the way the York River rises.
“Our spring fresh head season is coming up in probably two to three week,” he says. “Snow conditions are, currently, on par for an average year.
“Right now, we’re experiencing great spring weather for freeze-thaw, freeze-thaw during the days and evenings. It’s freezing at night, so it allows the snow to melt during the day time and tighten back up at night, which then in turns allows our river to pass the water through to our creeks.”
Hoover, adds, however that things can change. He says if there’s several days of above seasonal temperatures and rain later on, rivers could overflow.
When that happens, the fire department works first to protect the town’s critical infrastructure, such as roads, water structures or electric vaults.
“If we experience three or four days of above seasonal temperatures and no freezing at night, with a rain storm added in, it can create the potential for spring flooding, depending on where we are, with water passing through our systems,” he says. “We can see an increase in the river and then a decrease again in 24 to 48 hours.”
He encourages residents who are worried about their home to prepare in advance and have sand bags ready.