Destructive Flooding in Southern NM (Las Cruces, Alamogordo: buy, university, closing)

[james57]

In my research on the weather in southern NM, I have come across info on destructive flooding occurring this past summer. The info I have is as follows.

In June, severe flooding occurred in the Alamogordo area and also Boles Acres and Marble Canyon. Damage estimated at two million dollars.

During July, various storms resulted in flooding in El Paso, Santa Teresa, Hatch, Anthony, Truth or Consequences, Deming, Dona Ana County, Santa Clara,and downtown Silver City.

In August storms once again struck and caused flooding in El Paso, southern Dona Ana County including Sunland Park, Anthony, La Union, and Santa Teresa. Flooding also occurred in Las Cruces, Bayard, Hurley, and Santa Clara.
Once again, flooding occurs in the Alamogordo, Boles Acres areas.

In mid August heavy rains result in flooding west of Silver City,4feet deep water in the downtown area of Hatch forces all residents to evacuate, western portions of Deming are flooded.

Later in August heavy rains cause rock and mudslides over Tularosa Canyon near Mescalero. The month ends with water up to three feet deep forcing the closing of I-10 between Las Cruces and Deming.

Early Sept brings more heavy rains to southern Dona Ana County and El Paso areas.In mid Sept a supercell hits western Las Cruces resulting in property damage and flooding around New Mexico State University. Storm damage estimated at over 10 million dollars.

The 2006 monsoon season in southern NM was documented as the worst in history. However, it is by no means an isolated case. I went back and checked the history.

Past year histories show flooding problems in El Paso in 2000, El Paso Las Cruces and Alamogordo in 1999, Truth or Consequences in 1996, El Paso in 1995, Silver City in 1993, El Paso in 1988, Hatch Las Cruces and El Paso in 1987, two person killed north of Alamogordo in 1986, El Paso in 1984, White Sands Missle Range in 1978, four persons killed in Hillsboro in 1973.

It appears that southern NM has a considerable tendency to experience destructive flooding. This means its almost imperative to investigate possible flooding zones when looking at any housing in southern NM.

I have an interest in the general Ruidoso area, but could not find any instances of flooding in these areas. Just wondered if anyone out there knows about flooding in the Ruidoso/Capitan areas.

Also it would help if anyone knows how to obtain objective information on areas prone to flooding. Certainly I would not live in the El Paso area. It has a bad history for flooding.

Jim

[Crackerjack]

James57, Southern NM does get flooding during heavy monsoon seasons which happen every so many years. The type of soil NM has just can't hold very much water until runoff hits. That is why I warn people who buy out near washes or arroyos, or on dirt roads, to be sure the roads are stable or they can wash out. I have seen arroyos blast water so hard that the roads near them were totally gone. Also don't buy down in a low spot where water will collect and flood. I'd buy land on a hill or elevated land. If you buy down on an arroyo, just know what could happen. Flooding in cities in NM are usually because of a lack of proper drainage or clogged drains. It has been that way since I can recall.

[jecc]

CJ is right. Buy high, stay dry. Actually, in the mountains (Ruidoso, Capitan, etc.) there is lots of water during monsoon season, but it drains much better than it does in the flatlands. Many of the problems in El Paso, Alamogordo, Cruces, etc., resulted from poor planning. There's lots of pavement in those areas with little drainage. In the mountains, where there is less pavement, there is better natural drainage. That's not to say there are no problems. Roads can indeed be closed, and I've seen the local park in Cloudcroft turned into a lake. But the mountains generally don't see destruction like the flatlands do. Best thing to do is ask locals. Find some longtime residents in the area ask about the history of the region. If you are looking at a particular property, ask whether it's in a flood zone. The seller has to disclose that info if it is.

[Koolibri_Rantšo]

There's been some "legendary" (among locals anyway) floods in Ruidoso and particularly the Hondo Valley over the years. The damage has always been limited to the near-river areas due to the terrain. 1937 was a bad one and 1941 was worse. There's been more "contemporary" floods as well (in my memory). In the late 60's we had one that really "did a number" on the Hondo Valley and there was one in Ruidoso in the 70's that flooded a lot of people out with property fronting the river. Yes, it's not often, but it does happen.

Bob