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Storms Swell Saco River, Sinking Boaters' Plans

August 06, 2008 - FRYEBURG — Between July 4 and the end of August, the Saco River typically flows gently through Maine towns, attracting thousands of people who float down the shallow river on inner tubes, paddle a canoe or set up camp on a sandy beach.

Because of the weather, that peaceful scene has changed this summer.

Last Sunday, authorities asked hundreds of canoeists and campers to evacuate the Saco or face the threat of rising water from severe thunderstorms in northern New Hampshire – the source of the river.

Authorities said five canoes capsized Sunday, sending 10 people into the river. One person was reported missing but was found later in good condition.

Though a few experienced paddlers took to the river Tuesday, canoe rental companies and authorities were urging people to stay off the water until river levels subside.

Allen Russell, who owns Saco River Canoe, rented 100 canoes last weekend. All of his clients made it back safely after police, game wardens and others urged people to get off the river.

By Sunday afternoon, the river had risen six feet above its normal level, Russell said.

"Every canoe rental company was in the same situation we were," Russell said. "But it is what it is … you can’t control Mother Nature."

The rainy summer has made that scene play out across northern New England, as rivers that normally are cool retreats become anything but.

In the past two weeks, at least four people have been swept off their feet in New Hampshire rivers, with three drowning after they were dragged down by the current.

"We’re at spring levels, and people are underestimating the strength of the current," New Hampshire Fish and Game Maj. Tim Acerno said Tuesday.

He commented as Fish and Game officers reported finding the body of a Massachusetts man who slipped into the Swift River on Sunday.

Also on Tuesday, a man was swept downstream in the Merrimack River in Manchester but made it to shore.

Conditions on the Saco River started to change about two weeks ago, as thunderstorm after thunderstorm pounded the region, pouring water into lakes, rivers and ponds.

The storms intensified last weekend, forcing authorities to evacuate the Saco River during what canoe rental companies consider their peak season.

Fred Westerberg is supervisor of the Saco River Recreational Council, the organization that cleans up the river and monitors river levels. Like Russell, he said it has been about seven years since they have seen river levels this high in August.

"Last weekend, we got blasted," said Westerberg, referring to sandy beaches and riverbanks that are still flooded.

Westerberg said that for people looking to come to the Saco River to rent a canoe, the rest of the week is "day to day." That being said, there is no way authorities can control private canoeists’ actions.

But more wet weather is in the forecast.

"We don’t know what is going to happen this weekend," Westerberg said. "But it won’t take much for the river to explode."

Both Russell and Westerberg are advising their customers to use caution. Allen said he will not allow parties with young children to rent canoes until the river goes down.

"We know people are disappointed, but so are we. Our livelihood depends on the river. But we also have to make sure that they are protected," Westerberg said.

Cpl. Richard Murray of the Fryeburg Police Department patrolled the river on Tuesday. He said the water is unusually high for this time of year. Weston’s Beach in Fryeburg is under water, and the town beach near the Canal Bridge is flooded.

"We are reaching the point where the river is getting as high as it gets in the spring," Murray said.

He said police are trying to discourage novice canoeists from taking to the river. The Associated Press contributed information to this story.

By DENNIS HOEY, Staff Writer, Portland Press Herald, August 6, 2008


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