Flash Flood — Sandoval, New Mexico

2025-07-03 · near Rio Rancho, Sandoval, New Mexico

Event narrative

Heavy rain exceeding 2 inches caused thick dirt and debris runoffs over roadways across western Rio Rancho which caused at least one road closure and debris removal efforts. During debris removal efforts around sunrise, road crews located a deceased male near the intersection of Northern Blvd. and Calor Rd. NW.

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 → (35.2769, -106.7252)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1259833. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.