Flash Flood — Catron, New Mexico

2013-09-03 · near Glenwood, Catron, New Mexico

Event narrative

Runoff resulted in flash flooding along Whitewater Creek with a report of 'a roaring' sound near the Deer Park drainage channel. Black and silty water was reported along with considerable debris across NM 174. Up to 14 inches of water was flowing over the highway at the upper crossing just downstream of the Catwalk.

Wider weather episode

Strong, slow-moving thunderstorms produced very heavy rain and pea-sized hail over the western portion of the Whitewater-Baldy burn scar during the late afternoon hours. Rainfall rates just under two inches per hour were reported. Delayed runoff from the heavy rain resulted in rapid rises of Whitewater Creek near and downstream of the Catwalk after sunset while flash flooding closed portions of NM 174.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (33.3238, -108.8831)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 467227. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.