The Saranac River between Bloomingdale and Saranac Lake is rising due to rain and snow melt. (Enterprise photo — Justin A. Levine)

SARANAC LAKE — The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the North Country until later Tuesday morning due to a wet weather system and melting snow.

“A flood watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts,” the NWS said in a special weather statement. “You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

“A moisture-laden frontal system is bringing widespread rainfall early (Monday) morning with rainfall amounts from 0.75 to near 2 inches expected. Sharp river rises are occurring, and will continue through the day. Most main stem rivers are expected to crest during the day (Monday) based on current indications.”

The flood watch remains in effect until 8 a.m. Tuesday, and covers all of northern New York and Vermont.

The NWS’ river monitoring station for the AuSable River in AuSable Forks predicts the river will crest in the minor flooding stage at 7.2 feet late on Monday and water levels will begin to decline after that. Historically, the highest water level recorded at that station since the 1930s was during Tropical Storm Irene, when the river reached 18.5 feet on Aug. 29, 2011.