Las Vegas, N.M. – Potential dangerous flash flooding in northwestern San Miguel County as heavy thunderstorms sweep across the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon burn scar this evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, a Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 8:30 p.m. MDT. Radar shows up to 0.5 inches of rain falling over unstable terrain scarred by past wildfires. Debris flows — including mud, rock, and vegetation — are expected to rush through creek beds and across roads with little warning.
Communities at immediate risk include El Porvenir, Montezuma, Gallinas, Sapello, Mineral Hill, Rociada, Manuelitas, San Geronimo, and Tierra Monte. These areas sit below steep burn slopes that feed into the Tecolote Creek and Gallinas River, both of which are primed for flooding tonight.
Flood-prone roads include:
- State Road 94 (MM 1–9)
- State Road 518 (MM 10–16)
- State Road 283 (MM 7–12 and near MM 14)
- State Road 276 (MM 0–5)
- State Road 266 (MM 0–6)
- State Road 65 (MM 1–14)
- State Road 105 (MM 0–6)
- Cunningham Road, Cinder Road, and Campus Drive along the Gallinas River
Travel is strongly discouraged in all affected areas. Roads could become impassable with little notice. Residents should avoid low-lying spots and head for higher ground if conditions worsen.
This threat remains active through Wednesday night. More warnings may follow if storms continue to redevelop over the burn scar zone.
