| Event |
Flash Flood |
| -- Flood Cause |
Heavy Rain / Burn Area |
| State |
NEW MEXICO |
| County/Area |
SANDOVAL |
| WFO |
ABQ |
| Begin Date |
08/21/2011 17:30:00 MST-7 |
| Begin Range |
6 |
| Begin Azimuth |
WNW |
| Begin Location |
FRIJOLES |
| Begin Lat/Lon |
35.82/-106.36 |
| End Date |
08/21/2011 19:00:00 MST-7 |
| End Range |
9 |
| End Azimuth |
E |
| End Location |
PONDEROSA |
| End Lat/Lon |
35.68/-106.5 |
| Deaths Direct/Indirect |
0/0 (fatality details below, when available...) |
| Injuries Direct/Indirect |
0/0 |
| Property Damage |
3.75M |
| Crop Damage |
1.00M |
| Episode Narrative |
The first day of flash flooding over the Las Conchas burn scar was widespread as weak upper level disturbances rounded the west side of the upper high. Early in the afternoon, showers and thunderstorms developed over the central and northern portions of the burn scar. These storms generally produced 1 to 2 inches of rainfall. Later in the afternoon and early evening, even stronger and very slow moving storms developed across the southern portions of the burn scar. Radar estimated 3 to 4 inches of rain across a widespread area. Flash flooding was reported with each of these storms. The storms moved eastward over Santa Fe in the evening, and produced additional flooding. |
| Event Narrative |
Major flash flooding ensued after an estimated 3 to 4 inches of rain fell across the southern portion of the Las Conchas burn scar. Flooding in Frijoles Creek caused damage in and around Bandelier National Monument. Two barrier walls around the Visitors Center were overtopped and the septic system lift station was inundated with water. Major flooding was also reported in Peralta Canyon around Kasha Katuwe (Tent Rocks) National Monument. Damage was reported to the access road as well as other local roads.
Along and downstream of Cochiti Canyon sustained the most damage from flood waters. Flows were reported to be 8 to 10 feet high when they reached Dixon's Apple Orchard. The flood waters damaged the owners personal residence, inundated the main storage facility with 10 feet of mud and debris, moved a semi truck approximately 200 yards and destroyed approximately 10 percent of the apple orchard. The water also wiped out a 50 yard long 4 foot by 4 foot rock retaining wall that was built in 1942. |
