APACHE, AZ — At 332 AM MDT, a river gauge on Chine Creek within Canyon de Chelly National Monument reported water levels had fallen below flood stage. However, flooding will remain a threat in areas downstream of Canyon de Chelly through the morning hours. Flash flooding is already occurring.
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding.
SOURCE...River gauge reported.
IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of Chine Creek.
For Chinle Creek at Chinle: At 3:00am the stage was 3.4 feet. Flood Stage is 4.0 feet. Impacts: At 3.6 feet: Chinle Creek becomes impassable to recreational vehicles. At 4.0 feet: Water begins to encroach upon structures just upstream of the Highway 64 bridge near the Canyon de Chelly welcome center. At 4.3 feet: Flooding to homes and residences in Chinle on left bank downstream from Highway 64 bridge.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Chinle, Canyon De Chelly National Monument and Mummy Cave Overlook.
This includes the following recreation areas and campgrounds... Junction Overlook, White House Overlook, Antelope House Overlook and Face Rock Overlook.
This includes the following creeks, washes and rivers... Chinle Wash, Coyote Wash, Muerto, Canyon del, Sheep Dip Creek, Black Rock Canyon and Nazlini Wash.
Flooding in Apache, AZ 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