Record flooding hits Ruidoso area; safety officials prepare for more

RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) – First, it was fire that destroyed homes. Now, it’s the flooding.

Around Ruidoso, more than 1,000 homes were burned in the fires . After intense rains, over 200 homes were destroyed by flooding.

“This weekend we saw probably the most destructive flooding that we have seen since the debris flows started,” stated Village of Ruidoso Public Information Office Kerry Gladden.

One month after the South Fork and Salt Fires, the burn scars have created massive flooding throughout the Ruidoso area. Homes and businesses have been hit with back-to-back rainstorms over the past few weeks and this weekend the Village of Ruidoso saw record numbers.

“Our prior high level at our River Gage for the Rio Ruidoso was just over 12 feet, and on Saturday, it crested at 15.5 feet,” stated Gladden.

Lincoln County Emergency Services said they had to rescue some residents who got stuck in the mud and even moved people out of flooded RV parks. They say, right now, they’re dealing with soot, mud, and even vehicle parts coming downstream.

“This is extending further beyond Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs, and it’s going down into Glencoe, San Patricio, and into Hondo. So, we are watching the low water areas there as well,” explained Michael Scales with Lincoln County Emergency Services.

More than 100 National Guardsmen arrived last week to assist in flood mitigation, road repair, and debris removal. This weekend’s floods flowed into Ruidoso Downs, leading it to close until further notice. With more rain expected this week, the Village of Ruidoso and Lincoln County officials said it’s hard to do mitigation work after weeks of flooding.

“At this point, the rivers are not staying in their banks, and every time these flash floods happen they’re making their own new river. It’s so frustrating, and it’s a scary time for everyone,” said Gladden.

Village of Ruidoso and Lincoln County said once monsoon season ends, they will be implementing mitigation efforts with engineers for next year. Currently, there is a “do not drink order” for the Upper Canyon.

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