Flood in Chaves County, New Mexico

A trained spotter shared video of flood waters within the normally dry Rio Penasco well outside of banks overtopping a low water crossing. These flood waters were a response to an estimated three to six inches of rainfall over the prior two days over the nearby Sacramento Mountains.

Heavy rain occurring over the course of two days fell along the eastern slopes of the Sacramento Mountains in south-central NM, estimated to have totaled three to six inches from local reports. This heavy rain collected within the normally dry Rio Penasco running eastward through southwestern Chaves County August 31st. River flooding was reported just west of the Chaves and Eddy County line, just south of U.S. Highway 82. A minor low water crossing along Cauhape Ranch Road was overtopped by peak flood waters reaching over 9 feet and well out of the banks.