AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Flood watchers are on duty in Maine and they say the potential for spring flooding is normal for the time of year.

The Maine River Flow Advisory Commission, which met Thursday in Augusta, says stream flows and snowpack are within typical ranges and there's somewhat less river ice than usual. It concludes that spring flood potential is normal as flood season begins.

However, the commission also learned that its flood forecasting may be compromised by the deep budget cuts in Washington resulting from the automatic federal budget cuts.

Commission Chair Robert Lent said the budget cuts could cause his office to discontinue the use of stream gauges at seven to 12 sites out of about 70 the agency currently maintains. Data collected by stream gauges are used in flood forecasting.