Flash Flood — Bernalillo, New Mexico

2025-07-03 · near Kirtland Afb, Bernalillo, New Mexico

Event narrative

Heavy rainfall over the Albuquerque metro area produced dangerous fast flows on the area arroyo system. Two swift water rescues were performed in the diversion channel along I-40 and the Snow Heights neighborhood. Additionally, a man was trapped and swept up among floodwaters in an arroyo near Carlisle and Menaul Boulevard. Crews searched the North Diversion Channel and nearby areas for at least an hour before deploying an airboat in a washout area at Roy Avenue and Fourth Street. The man was not found in the washout area. The individual is assumed to have been deceased.

Wider weather episode

Another burst of abundant monsoon moisture resulted in localized heavy rainfall July 2nd and overnight into July 3rd. Burn scar flash flooding off the Salt burn scar washed out culverts that then diverted water into the Cherokee Mobile home park near Ruidoso. A late night round of strong thunderstorms developing along middle Rio Grande Valley produced very heavy rainfall measuring 1 to near 2.50 inches in Rio Rancho. Roads were washed out with dirt and debris in Rio Rancho and near Las Nutrias in northern Socorro County. Fast moving waters in the Albuquerque arroyo system swept away at least two people who were rescued, while a potential third person was reported also swept away.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (35.0911, -106.5506)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1259832. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.