Flood — Catron, New Mexico

2010-01-22 · near Reserve Negrito Arpt, Catron, New Mexico

Event narrative

Over 2 inches of rain combined with some snow melt resulted in flooding along State Highway 15. The approach to the West Fork Bridge was washed out when the West Fork of the Gila River rose out of its banks. State Highway 15 was closed between the Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor Center and the trail head for the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.

Wider weather episode

Strong warm air advection developed across western New Mexico late on the 21st into the early morning hours of the 22nd. This caused snow to turn to rain, and more than 2 inches of rain fell across the Gila Wilderness. The heavy rain, combined with some snowmelt, resulted in flooding near the Gila Cliff Dwellings.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (33.2330, -108.2558)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 204146. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.