Flash Flood — Chaves, New Mexico

2025-08-31 · near Lake Arthur, Chaves, New Mexico

Event narrative

State Road 2 was closed at the intersection with East Jackson Road due to flooding along the normally dry Walnut Arroyo. Based on photo provided, floodwaters looked to be about 1 foot deep and not moving.

Wider weather episode

A backdoor front pushing south through eastern New Mexico resulted in the development of showers and thunderstorms across this part of the state during the evening and overnight hours on August 30th into August 31st. 2 to 3 inches of rain from thunderstorms during the early morning hours of August 31st resulted in flash flooding on the normally dry Walnut Arroyo just south of Lake Arthur. Floodwaters covered State Road 2 and Jackson Road resulting in the temporary closure of these roadways in the area.

Daytime heating and lots of available moisture resulted in the new development of showers and thunderstorms across the higher terrain during the early afternoon hours. One of these storms moved south near Rowe producing an intense hailstorm at the location. This hail resulted in some significant damage to the crops at the person's residence.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (32.9913, -104.4178)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1280196. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.