Flash Flood — Taos, New Mexico

2021-07-21 · near Vadito, Taos, New Mexico

Event narrative

An estimated 1.5 to 4 inches of heavy rainfall over the course of 3 hours resulted in flash flooding across the historic Picuris Pueblo. As water over topped an arroyo, flood waters rapidly entered the tribal administration building which sustained damages to the flooring. A gym, senior center, and transportation building were also hit hard by the flood waters which also all sustained various amounts of floor damage. Several grave markers in the tribal cemetery were dislodged by the flood waters. Damages to a hydrologic weir that feeds the fish hatchery pond, which houses about 5,000 fish, were also reported. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and damages are estimated.

Wider weather episode

With an area of high pressure centered over the Four Corners region, persistent northeasterly flow combined with sufficient low-level moisture supported another active monsoon day across northern and central New Mexico. Thunderstorm activity initiated over the northern high terrain by early afternoon, and thunderstorms intensified as the afternoon progressed as they tracked in a general southeasterly direction. One particular thunderstorm near Picuris Pueblo in Taos County produced as estimated 1.5 to 4 inches of rainfall within about three hours. This resulted in flash flooding within the area that caused significant damage to structures.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (36.1967, -105.6730)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 986929. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.