NM NM - Ruidoso, flooding, people missing, 8 Jul 2025

[TwinkieDefense]

July 8, 2025 article

https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/people-still-missing-after-ruidoso-hit-with-historic-flooding/

[…]

Flash flooding tore through parts of Ruidoso Tuesday afternoon, impacting areas around Upper Canyon, Brady Canyon, and the Rio Ruidoso. “I don’t think it was a shock because we were prepared, but you know you certainly don’t want to see it happen on this scale,” said Gladden.

[…]

 

[legomonster]

https://www.yahoo.com/news/south-fork-fire-nearly-triples-150003321.html

This is an image of the South Fork Fire in Ruidoso, NM, last year. The South Fork Fire, which burned over 16,000 acres, and the Salt Fire, which burned over 7,000 acres, have created burn scars that are particularly vulnerable to flooding due to runoff. The area near Ruidoso already experiences flash flooding due to monsoon storms. The 2022 McBride burn scar resulted in extensive flooding across eastern portions of Ruidoso in 2022 and 2023, but the addition of the Blue 2, South Fork and Salt burn scars in 2024 just made the Ruidoso area that much more vulnerable to heavy thunderstorm rains during the monsoon.

I honestly have lost count of the flash flooding emergencies given to this area since these fires, it's over a dozen.

 

[TwinkieDefense]

What a picture @legomonster. I can’t imagine seeing that in person.

July 9, 2025 article

New Mexico mountain village braces for more rain following deadly flash flooding

A New Mexico mountain village is preparing for another round of monsoon rains as it tries to dig out from historic flooding that killed a man and two children. Dozens of homes have been damaged and crews scrambled Wednesday to clear mud and debris from Ruidoso's streets and culverts. Authorities...

kstp.com

[…]

A man, a 4-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy were swept away from an RV park along the Rio Ruidoso as floodwaters raged through the area Tuesday afternoon. The bodies were found downstream from the park at a distance between 1/4 of a mile and 2 miles (3 kilometers).

[…]

 

[boopboopshoop]

From Albuquerque KRQE News: Ruidoso Downs takes another blow as severe flooding once again sweeps through area

Racetrack was completely flooded, but I haven't seen any confirmation of equine fatalities

 

[TwinkieDefense]

July 9, 2025 article

3 dead, including 2 children, in New Mexico flooding, local authorities say

The Village of Ruidoso said three people died in "historic" flash flooding.

abcnews.go.com

[…]

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque said early data placed the river's crest at 20.24 feet on Tuesday afternoon, which would break the record of 15.86 feet that was set on July 20, 2024.

[…]

 

[boopboopshoop]

https://paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/20-foot-wall-of-water-hits-ruidoso-downs-just-so-powerful-theres-nothing-that-could-have-stopped-it

"One horse at Ruidoso Downs died, officials said, and the mayor of the village of Ruidoso reported multiple deaths of horses and pets in the path of the flood. The river crested at over 20 feet, five feet more than the previous high."

 

[legomonster]

Today will be another active monsoon day over central New Mexico. Burn scar flash flooding will be the principal concern and another flash flood watch will likely be needed for the Ruidoso area. The active monsoon pattern is expected to continue into next week, keeping the threat of burn scar flash flooding moderate to high each day through the end of the week. This is from the NWS Albuquerque Office.

 

[legomonster]

Unfortunately, flash flooding hit the burn scars again, today. It was well watched and warned beforehand by the NWS.

Burn Scar Flash Flooding, July 24th, 2025

 

[legomonster]

But under the weather apologize for the delay. But, another flash flood warning:

Flash Flood Warning continues for Ruidoso NM, Ruidoso Downs NM and Hollywood NM until 5:45 PM MDT. Flash Flood Warning