Flash Flood in Mora County, New Mexico

A heavy thunderstorm over the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon burn scar early in the day on July 23rd dropped between 0.50 and 0.75 inches of rain. This prompted a Flash Flood Warning for the burn scar, however, no reports of flooding were received. The water from this thunderstorm was held back thanks to debris flow. Around midnight, the New Mexico State EOC relayed reports of major flooding and debris flow from a light shower that was only producing a couple hundredths of an inch. This light rain was enough to release the heavier rain that had fallen earlier that day which washed out roads and impacted the Holman area. Damages are estimated.

It was a typical monsoon day across northern and central New Mexico on July 23, 2022, as an abundant amount of moisture led to scattered to numerous thunderstorms. The Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon burn scar proved once again to be the area of most concern as heavy rainfall on the northern end of the burn area led to flash flooding. The Holman and Cleveland areas, which have been hardest hit so far this summer, were hit hard again with flash flooding and debris flow.