Four days of spring-like temperatures sparking concerns over ice conditions in the region.
Rothesay Deputy Mayor Matt Alexander wants to ensure people stay safe as the ice on the Kennebecasis River which has visible pressure ridges and open water.
“It’s important to get the information out there for people that the ice conditions can change drastically over a short period of time especially where we are going to have a lot of rain in the forecast as well,” Alexander said.
Alexander says pressure ridges and open water are hazards on the river.
“There seems to be a lot of vehicle traffic on the river this year. A couple weekends ago I counted over 80 cars in the middle of the river,” Alexander said.
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While the ice may be thick in some locations, open water can be seen along the Saint John River from the marina past Crystal Beach.
Alexander notes a section near Kennebecasis Park known for open water.
“Once you get around the point from K-Park, there is an area where you get a big pressure ridge. When you have a lot of surface water runoff you get the warmer water that’s running into the river and it’s kind of shallow there and the water comes up. You tend to get open spots there as well,” Alexander said.
58-year-old Pat Valardo of Quispamsis died last month after his ATV hit open water on the Kennebecasis River near Minister’s Face.
Alexander said “one fatality is too many” and everyone needs to be aware of how something like that can unfold.
