Flash Flood — Sandoval, New Mexico

2011-08-21 · near Frijoles, Sandoval, New Mexico

Event narrative

Major flash flooding ensued after an estimated 3 to 4 inches of rain fell across the southern portion of the Las Conchas burn scar. Flooding in Frijoles Creek caused damage in and around Bandelier National Monument. Two barrier walls around the Visitors Center were overtopped and the septic system lift station was inundated with water. Major flooding was also reported in Peralta Canyon around Kasha Katuwe (Tent Rocks) National Monument. Damage was reported to the access road as well as other local roads.

Along and downstream of Cochiti Canyon sustained the most damage from flood waters. Flows were reported to be 8 to 10 feet high when they reached Dixon's Apple Orchard. The flood waters damaged the owners personal residence, inundated the main storage facility with 10 feet of mud and debris, moved a semi truck approximately 200 yards and destroyed approximately 10 percent of the apple orchard. The water also wiped out a 50 yard long 4 foot by 4 foot rock retaining wall that was built in 1942.

Wider weather episode

The first day of flash flooding over the Las Conchas burn scar was widespread as weak upper level disturbances rounded the west side of the upper high. Early in the afternoon, showers and thunderstorms developed over the central and northern portions of the burn scar. These storms generally produced 1 to 2 inches of rainfall. Later in the afternoon and early evening, even stronger and very slow moving storms developed across the southern portions of the burn scar. Radar estimated 3 to 4 inches of rain across a widespread area. Flash flooding was reported with each of these storms. The storms moved eastward over Santa Fe in the evening, and produced additional flooding.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (35.8224, -106.3600)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 329288. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.