Flood — Upper Gila River Valley, Arizona

2005-02-12 to 2005-02-14 · Upper Gila River Valley, Arizona

Wider weather episode

A low pressure system west of the Baja, Mexico Peninsula spread abundant subtropical moisture across the desert southwest. The result was widespread precipitation and river flooding. The Gila River at the Town of Duncan had moderate flooding from the large amount of precipitation that not only fell in Arizona but also in New Mexico. In the Town of Duncan smaller dikes broke allowing water to backup into the town. Damage occurred to a residence near Duncan High School, and a trailer downstream of the high school. Also, U.S. Highway 70 near the high school was covered with four feet of water and the approach ramps to the highway were overtopped with flowing water. East Avenue and low lying areas in the west end of the Town of Duncan were evacuated on the evening of Saturday February 12, 2005. The railroad tracks also on the west end of Duncan were covered with water and power went out in the west side of the town. The Gila River at Duncan reached a maximum crest of 23.28 feet on February 13, 2005 at 0345 MST. The San Francisco River at the Town of Clifton had minor flooding reported. There was no damage reported in the Town of Clifton. However, there was water to the bottom of the Railroad Bridge which stopped railroad traffic from the Morenci Mine and minor overflow of the river in the northern end of Clifton. Also, the town gates, designed to divert water away from the Town of Clifton were closed isolating the town from road and railroad access from the north. The San Francisco River at Clifton reported a peak crest of 23.49 feet on February 12, 2005 at 1230 MST.The Town of Solomon at the Gila River reported minor flooding. The Solomon Road, Pima Road, and Thatcher Road bridge approaches were all flooded and closed. U.S. Highway 70 Bridge near Bylas was also flooded and closed. The Gila River near Solomon recorded a maximum crest of 19.63 feet on February 13, 2005 at 1430 MST.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5437484. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.