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VERMONT EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
NEWS ADVISORY

Winooski River Rises in Montpelier

A freeze-up ice jam has formed in Montpelier in the area on Lower State Street known as Cemetery Curve. The river is backed up and water levels have been rising steadily over the last 48 hours. The levels are currently about 1.5 feet below the level where basement flooding could occur along the North Branch of the Winooski River.

The City is monitoring conditions and trying to determine if there is any feasible action to break up the jam. The river is currently at 9.4 feet as of 2:30 p.m. according to the USGS (United States Geological Survey) river gage.  Action stage for precautionary measures is 11 feet and flood stage is 15 feet.  In past years, ice build-up at this location has indicated that early warning and initial protective action measures action may be necessary and officials are taking precautions.  

The City has notified business owners in the area most likely to be affected in the flood prone areas.  Pay attention to siren warnings, news alerts or door-to-door notices and heed directions.  Check on neighbors that may need assistance should the warnings be activated.

Vermont Emergency Management has been notified by the City of Montpelier as part of their early warning procedures.