New Mexico Environment & Hazard Risk

Historically bad flash flooding across Roswell, reported by numerous emergency officials and the public. Thunderstorms training over Roswell dumped an all-time one-day rainfall record of 5.78 at the Roswell Airport with numerous other public weather stations across town ranging from 4 to 9 inches. Major flooding was reported across the city and nearby low-lying areas south and west of town. Numerous vehicles were submerged in over 4 feet of water while several more were swept away. The Roswell Daily Record reported that as many as 500 rescues were carried out over the weekend during and after the flooding. Estimates have as many as 400 homes and 200 businesses facing significant damage. The Roswell Convention Center was hosting a UFO festival when flood waters up to 5 feet entered the building. Attendees were being rescued from the rooftop. Roswell's Spring River Zoo also suffered extensive damage including the loss of one donkey. Flood damage was also sustained to Roswell's Landfill and Wastewater Treatment Plant. All roads entering the city were closed by State Police. The city lost 4 fire trucks and 7 police patrol cars with numerous city facilities damaged. There is one...

The Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire continued to devastate the area as it grew significantly during the month of May. The wildfire at the end of April was at 103,908 acres, but continued strong winds across the area throughout the month of May allowed the wildfire to spread rapidly. Within the first three days of May, the fire grew over 40,000 acres to a total of 145,854 acres with only 20% containment. During this time, the fire pushed northward toward Mora and northwest toward Las Tusas and Sapello. It also pushed towards Las Vegas, prompting evacuation orders for the western side of the city. By May 16, the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire grew to 298,060 acres, officially surpassing the 2012 Whitewater-Baldy Fire and becoming the largest wildfire in New Mexico State history. By the end of the month, the wildfire burned 315,627 acres with 50% containment. Official numbers for homes and structures destroyed are still unknown, but on May 17th, the San Miguel County Sherrif reported that at least 340 homes had been destroyed with 275 other structures lost as well. Damages are estimated.

Extremely heavy rainfall from slow moving thunderstorms resulted in catastrophic flash flooding and destructive debris flows on and downstream of the South Fork burn scar. Debris flows and a record rise on the Rio Ruidoso from 1.43 feet to 20.24 feet in approximately 30 minutes overtopped bridges and roads, pushed some houses off their foundations and down canyons and hillsides, forced power outages, and resulted in water and sewer services. These extremely high flows destroyed the horse racetrack at Ruidoso Downs. Swift water teams rescued 65 individuals from homes, RV trailers, vehicles and from flood waters and debris flows. Up to 150 families and 400 homes were believed to be impacted and damaged. Tragically, three deaths were reported, including two young children when flood waters and debris flows overwhelmed and destroyed their RV. The parents of these children ended up being hospitalized due to suffering serious injuries while trying to save their children from the floodwaters. Two family dogs were also lost in the floodwaters. A federal disaster declaration was issued by the president two days after the catastrophic flash flooding to help free up federal funds and...

Snowfall amounts ranged from two to seven inches around the Albuquerque Metro Area. Difficult travel conditions due to snow, blowing snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported. Very cold temperatures resulted in frozen and burst water pipes at 40 public schools of which 25 were severely damaged. APS estimated damage amounts around $230,000. APD reported 157 accidents across the metro area with 66 involving injuries. One of these crashes was fatal on Interstate 40 when six vehicles, four semi trailers, a state police vehicle, and a tow truck were involved in a chain reaction pile up. The 50-year old tow truck driver Pat Cisneros from Madrid, NM was killed while trying to assist those involved in the accident. Additional damage amounts for vehicles are estimated.

Strong outflow winds from thunderstorms along the central mountain chain resulted in a haboob moving west across Interstate 25. The lower visibility resulted in a 23 car pile up and the resultant closure of Interstate 25 between San Felipe casino and Santo Domingo Pueblo. News reports showed 51 people were taken to the hospital.

The South Fork Fire was discovered on June 17th within tribal land along the Rio Ruidoso west of Ruidoso. It blew up in size within its first two days reaching 15,000 acres and destroying an estimated 1,400 structures. Two lives were lost, an as of yet identified person in a vehicle on Rainier Road due to the limited remains, and a 60 year old Patrick Pearson within the Swiss Chalet Motel. The fire's growth slowed considerably by the 19th due to heavy rainfall causing flash flooding on the burn scar. Flash flooding and debris flows exacerbated recovery efforts. Many of the structures lost were located within the eastern and northeastern portion of the burn area including areas from Alto to Cellars Canyon and Cedar Canyon down to the upper Rio Ruidoso. Damage is an estimate based on number of structures destroyed.