Flash Flood in Socorro County, New Mexico

Forest thinning in the Magdalena Mountains resulted in a flash flooding event that made it easier for water to rush down an unnamed canyon. Floodwaters left behind a pile of debris 6 feet high and 20 feet wide that included steel fence posts and barbed wire, damaged trailed, and boulders that were 200 to 300 pounds. Damages are estimated.

An active moonsoon pattern continued across New Mexico on July 25, 2022, as a steady stream of moisture stayed in place over western and central New Mexico. Additionally, an easterly wave over northern Mexico that was trapped underneath the high pressure centered over the lower Mississippi Valley. An abundant amount of moisture in addition to this easterly wave resulted in robust thunderstorms across southern New Mexico that produced heavy rainfall. Socorro and Lincoln counties, including the McBride burn scar, were hit hardest with flash flooding.