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Monsoon season expected to be 'normal,' but burn scars could trigger flooding in Ruidoso
The monsoon season typically brings the most rainfall to the region, from June 15 to Sept. 30. This year, West Texas and most of New Mexico have equal chances for above-normal, near-normal, or below-normal precipitation.
While rain is often welcomed in the Desert Southwest, precipitation in forested areas, particularly in Ruidoso, can lead to dangerous flooding. Burn scars left behind from last year's South Fork and Salt Fires can make matters worse — even a quick-moving storm can dump a large amount of water, creating serious runoff, said Zachary Aronson, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
"Any heavy rain that falls on the burn scars will run across the ground to drainages and streams," Aronson said. "Those eventually will go into town, where the buildings and homes are. So that's what we are worried about."
Ruidoso typically experiences monsoon a bit earlier in the season, Aronson said.
Heavy storms hit the area on June 10, days before the start of the monsoon. One resident captured video of a heavy flow of water shortly after rain began to fall in Ruidoso's upper canyon, a stark reminder of flooding that happened last year as a result of burn scars left behind from wildfires.
In July 2024, rainfall transformed roads into rushing rivers, leaving people trapped in homes and vehicles submerged. The heavy rain also caused damage to the Ruidoso Downs Track, impacting races, which had to be moved to Albuquerque.
"Things are a little bit better up there compared to last year in terms of susceptibility to debris flow and runoffs, but still pretty susceptible area," Aronson said. "We definitely keep a close eye with those burn scars."
As of June, the National Weather Service is forecasting wetter conditions from July to early August, followed by a break in mid-to-late August, and then a return to wetter conditions in September.
Ruidoso will experience daily rain chances in the summer, with thunderstorms brewing in the mornings and early afternoons, Aronson said.
"We are expecting a more active monsoon season and not as dry as what we've seen in the past couple years," he said. "We're expected to be about normal."
When it comes to temperatures, there is a 50-70% chance that temperatures will lean toward above-normal for the entire state of New Mexico, as well as parts of West Texas.
If you are a Ruidoso resident or planning a visit, the village has released a real-time road conditions map.
The RAIN (Ruidoso Alert Information Network) map is provided to inform the public about flooded roads and is continuously updated, according to the Village of Ruidoso.
The map also displays any active wildfires in the area.
Self-fill sandbags are now available to residents through the end of summer. There is a 30-bag limit per household.
In the 2024 monsoon season, more than 440 tons of sand and approximately 50,000 sandbags were distributed for residents and businesses, according to the Village of Ruidoso.
Sandbags are available at the following locations:
Ruidoso Convention Center, 111 Sierra Blanca Drive
Wingfield Park, 311 Center St.
Sometimes floods develop slowly, and forecasters can anticipate where a flood will happen days or weeks before it occurs. Often, flash floods can occur within minutes, sometimes without any visible sign of rain. Being prepared can save your life and give you peace of mind.
Create a Communications Plan
Assemble an Emergency Kit
Know Your Risk
Sign Up for Notifications
Prepare Your Home
Prepare your Family/Pets
Charge Your Essential Electronics
Leave
During a flood, water levels and the rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Stay informed and monitor local radio and television stations. Avoid flood waters at all costs and evacuate immediately when water starts to rise.
Stay Informed: Listen to radio and television, including NOAA Weather Radio if possible, check the Internet and social media for information and updates.
Get to Higher Ground: If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately.
Obey Evacuation Orders: If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.
Practice Electrical Safety: Don't go into a basement or any room if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises--get out! Stay out of water that may have electricity.
Avoid Flood Waters: Don't walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@ @NatassiaPaloma on Twitter; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.
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This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Monsoon season begins June 15; burn scars raise flood risk in Ruidoso
