RIO ARRIBA, NM — ...Forecast flooding changed to Minor severity for the following rivers in New Mexico...
Rio Chama Below Chamita affecting Rio Arriba County.
* WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast.
* WHERE...Rio Chama below Chamita.
* WHEN...Until Saturday afternoon.
* IMPACTS...At 6.0 feet, Properties in the flood plain along the Rio Chama and near the junction of the Rio Ojo Caliente will see water in their yards. Impacts can include bank erosion and damage to wells and septic tanks. These impacts will increase in severity at higher river levels. 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 7:00 AM MDT Friday the stage was 6.7 feet. - Bankfull stage is 5.5 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 7:00 AM MDT Friday was 8.0 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to fall below flood stage this afternoon and continue falling to 4.5 feet Wednesday morning. - Flood stage is 6.0 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 6.7 feet on 07/21/2009. - 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