Flash flood risk throughout weekend in, near South Fork and Salt fire burn scars, NWS warns

Severe flash floods closed roads in Ruidoso after storms dumped rain into the burn scar of the still burning South Fork and Salt fires. The National Weather Service is warning of continued flood risk the weekend beginning July 12, 2024. (Photo courtesy of City of Ruidoso)

Since June 29, the National Weather Service has received reports of 41 flash flood events that stranded drivers, carried houses and destroyed bridges, among other destruction in southeast New Mexico.

The latest such report was just past 11 p.m. on July 10, when a house was pushed 10 feet in a flash flood near downtown Ruidoso. A gas leak and water line break ensued, according to the National Weather Service.

In the two days since then, no rain has fallen, granting a short reprieve. But forecasters are calling on all residents in and around the South Fork and Salt fire burn scars to beware of additional rain forecast over the weekend, particularly in the afternoon and evenings.

“It is critically important for individuals in these sensitive areas to remain weather-aware, have multiple avenues to receive NWS warnings, and be prepared to take appropriate action to seek higher ground if a warning is issued,” according to a NWS weekend forecast issued Thursday afternoon.

Woman trapped in tree, bridge destroyed, landspout spotted in ‘extreme’ Ruidoso burn scar flooding

The risk of flash flooding carries at least through the weekend. Forecasters warned that even a modest thunderstorm could mean destructive flooding and debris flows.

“Remember, it only takes one thunderstorm to make it a dangerous situation on wildfire burn scars,” meteorologists warned.

Rain falling on burned scars doesn’t absorb as well into the soil, and there is less vegetation to hold back floods and debris flows. As a result, any rainfall can quickly become a major flash flood, forecasters said.

The South Fork Fire began June 17 and burned nearly 18,000 acres. As of the latest estimates earlier this month, it was 87% contained. The Salt Fire a few miles south of there started the same day, burning nearly 8,000 acres. It was 84% contained as of July 4.

Other flood reports from July 10 include a shipping container being carried by flood waters near Ruidoso Downs; a road collapse near Sudderth Drive and NM Highway 70; and an SUV with three people in it being rescued from the Rio Ruidoso.

See a map below with the latest flood reports: