Here's a summary of what's causing it:
Monsoon Rains: New Mexico is experiencing its monsoon season, which brings sudden, intense downpours.
Wildfire Burn Scars: This is the critical factor. Large areas around Ruidoso, particularly from the South Fork and Salt fires in the summer of 2024, were severely burned.
When wildfires burn intensely, they destroy vegetation that would normally absorb rainwater.
They can also make the soil hydrophobic, meaning it repels water instead of soaking it in.
This combination means that when heavy rains fall, there's nothing to slow the water down or absorb it, leading to rapid and extreme runoff.
Rapid River Swell: The Rio Ruidoso river has swelled dramatically and quickly. Reports indicate it rose over 19 feet in a matter of minutes, reaching a record-breaking 20 feet above normal levels.
Devastating Impact: The flash floods have swept away entire homes, caused mudslides, submerged roads and bridges, and led to gas leaks. Tragically, at least three people, including two children, have been killed. Emergency crews have conducted numerous swift-water rescues.
