Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Freshet \Fresh"et\, n. [OE. fresche flood + -et. See {Fresh},
   a.]
   1. A stream of fresh water. [Obs.] --Milton.

   2. A flood or overflowing of a stream caused by heavy rains
      or melted snow; a sudden inundation.

            Cracked the sky, as ice in rivers When the freshet
            is at highest.                        --Longfellow.

Source : WordNet®

freshet
     n : the occurrence of a water flow resulting from sudden rain or
         melting snow [syn: {spate}]