Flood — Rio Arriba, New Mexico

2023-05-02 to 2023-05-10 · near Chili, Rio Arriba, New Mexico

Event narrative

Rapid snow melt led to high river rises and overbank flooding at and downstream of the junction between the Rio Ojo Caliente and Rio Chama. Ten homes had water come right up to the house structure. This flooded yards, wells and septic tanks. Damages are an estimate.

Wider weather episode

Well above average snowpack and warm temperatures led to rapid snowmelt and river rises on many northern NM river basins. Overbank flooding was reported at and downstream of the junction between the Rio Ojo Caliente and Rio Chama between May 5th and May 10th. Ten properties had water up to homes and structures. Yards, wells, and septic systems were flooded out. There were no reports of casualties or fatalities or water rescues.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (36.1000, -106.1300)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1086516. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.