Flood — Sandoval, New Mexico

2023-04-12 to 2023-04-13 · near Jemez Spgs, Sandoval, New Mexico

Event narrative

Local officials reported that the rapid rise in river levels from rapid snowmelt on the Jemez River caused the Jemez Springs Wastewater Treatment Facility to overflow. Two vehicle water rescues were also needed one mile south of Jemez Pueblo due to high river levels crossing the local highway. The flooding occurred despite the river levels cresting at 7.67 feet, which is below the minor flood stage of 8.00 feet.

Wider weather episode

Above normal snowpack from the prior winter season in combination with a rapid warming in temperatures resulted in a rapid snowmelt within the Jemez Mountains and the Jemez River Basin. On April 12, 2023, the increase in flow approached the Minor flood stage of 8.0 feet at 7.67 feet. Despite not reaching Minor flood stage, the increased flow resulted in the Jemez Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant to overflow into the Jemez River. River levels also crossed a few low water crossings one mile south of Jemez Pueblo toward San Ysidro, and two vehicle water rescues were needed on April 12, 2023. The river reached a peak flow of 7.85 feet early on the morning of April 13, 2023 at 9:15 MDT before receding.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (35.7700, -106.6900)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1081336. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.