Flash Flood — Sierra, New Mexico

2025-07-18 · near Elephant Butte, Sierra, New Mexico

Event narrative

Mescal Canyon low water crossing at Turtleback Ave was flooded and too dangerous to cross. Discharge from the Mescal Canyon caused a 0.65 foot backwater spike on the Rio Grande gauge below Elephant Butte Dam, upstream of Mescal Canyon. Water levels on the Rio Grande came close to riverside porches in Truth or Consequences but no damage.

Wider weather episode

A deep southeast flow brought plenty of moisture into the region. Storms formed over area mountains and along a mid-level convergence area along the Rio Grande Valley which brought heavy rain and flash flooding to Grant and Sierra counties.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (33.1509, -107.2147)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1277703. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.