Flash Flood — Los Alamos, New Mexico

2011-08-03 · near Los Alamos, Los Alamos, New Mexico

Event narrative

Both Highway 4 and 501 were closed in the Jemez Mountains due to flooding. Heavy rains on the Las Conchas burn scar caused significant runoff and debris flow over the roadways. At least a 50 yard stretch of debris several inches deep was noted along State Highway 501. Both roads had to be cleared by the Highway Department before traffic was allowed to pass.

Wider weather episode

One of the most active monsoonal days occurred on August 3rd, with heavy rains noted across much of the state. However, the biggest impact came to the recently burned areas, particularly to the Las Conchas and White Fire burn scars. Minor flooding was reported across many other locations, including around Abo, Folsom, and Grants. A few storms also reported severe wind gusts in outflow boundaries, including around White Sands Missile Range. Even a landspout formed in the Albuquerque metro area.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (35.8396, -106.3525)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 321551. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.