Flash Flood in Lincoln County, New Mexico

Heavy rains over the South Fork and Salt burn scars resulted in burn scar flash flooding in the Ruidoso area, including near schools. Flash flooding was reported in multiple areas along roads and highways including White Mountain Dr., Hull Rd., Mechem Dr., Paradise Canyon Dr. just north of Sudderth Dr., Perk Canyon Dr., and along Main Road. The access road to the Ruidoso Downs racetrack was once again overtopped. The Fire Department assisted in a swift water rescue of an occupied vehicle being pushed by flood waters. Damage is an estimate, and there are no reports of injuries or fatalities.

A disturbance rotating north around the upper high circulation centered over south central U.S. followed by a backdoor front entering eastern New Mexico in the middle of the week increased monsoon moisture and shower and thunderstorm coverage across the state. Daily slow moving thunderstorms on the Ruidoso burn scars during the afternoon hours resulted in several occurrences flash flooding on and downstream of the burn scars. Slow moving thunderstorms also resulted in flash flooding on the White Sands Missile Range in eastern Lincoln County, near Elk in southwest Lincoln County on July 30th, and in Santa Fe during the evening hours of July 31st with debris flow closing Highway 38 a few miles west of Red River for several hours late on July 31st. Nearby storms also caused a landspout on the West Mesa of Albuquerque and a 73 mph wind gust at Gallup Municipal Airport on July 30th.