RIO ARRIBA, NM — ...Forecast flooding changed from Minor to Moderate severity and increased in duration for the following rivers in New Mexico...
Rio Chama Below Chamita affecting Rio Arriba County.
* WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is forecast.
* WHERE...Rio Chama below Chamita.
* WHEN...Until Monday morning.
* IMPACTS...At 8.0 feet, Properties along the Rio Chama and southern reach of the Rio Ojo Caliente are flooded. Private roadways within several hundred yards of the river are impassable.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:00 AM MDT Saturday the stage was 6.8 feet. - Bankfull stage is 5.5 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 8:00 AM MDT Saturday was 7.6 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 8.1 feet this evening. It will then fall below flood stage late tomorrow evening. - Flood stage is 6.0 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 8.0 feet on 08/09/1967. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flooding in Rio Arriba, NM can cut off roads with little warning, damage homes near low-lying areas, and disrupt power and water service. Even a few inches of moving water can carry away a vehicle.
This report is based on information from NWS, monitored by Alert USA's verified emergency feed.
Alert USA anticipates a high chance of travel disruptions, elevated property risk in low-lying areas, and possible power outages while the event is active.
Recommended steps: avoid flooded roads — turn around, don't drown; move to higher ground if you are in a low-lying area; charge phones and prepare for power loss; check on family and neighbors.
Alert USA is tracking this flood event and will update this report as verified information becomes available.
Verified by Alert USA • NWS