NWS ABQ - 2013 September Flooding-Chaves County

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Rainfall Summary: September 10-18, 2013

The table below is a comprehensive list of the more significant precipitation reports that were received for the 9-day event period.

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Location (source)	Precipitation Total (in)
Bitterlakes (COOP)	6.47
Dunken (RAWS)	5.48
North Roswell (COOP)	4.98
Roswell 17.4 N (CoCoRaHS)	4.56
Roswell Airport (ASOS)	3.98
Roswell (COOP)	3.95
Eight Mile Draw (RAWS)	3.65
Hagerman (HCN)	3.06
Elida (CRN)	1.94

Impact Summary

Location	Date	Summary
Diamond-A Ranch	09/11/2013	The Rio Hondo at Diamond A Ranch experienced its 5th highest crest of 29,500 cfs around 4am on the 11th. This led to the 2nd highest crest at Roswell of 1,920 cfs around 815pm on the 12th. The US 70 relief route southwest of Roswell was flooded by the Rio Hondo as a result. Cars were stranded and water rescued took place.
Roswell	09/11/2013	Numerous low water crossings were flooded across Roswell with minor flooding in the city. Water levels began receding by the afternoon.
West of Roswell	09/11/2013	Portions of NM 246 washed out between mile markers 36 and 61.
Roswell	09/12/2013	Vehicles rescued along US 70 relief route due to Rio Hondo flooding. Water rescue also occurred along NM 246 near Berrendo Creek. River Road is closed along Pecos River and a small neighborhood has been evacuated with 3 houses flooded. A Red Cross shelter was opened and 2 people stayed overnight.
Lake Arthur	09/13/2013	Pecos River out of its banks below Acme with near record crest. The crest of 21,800 cfs at 815pm on the 12th was the 3rd highest crest ever observed dating back to 1954. The river remained above flood stage for several hours and above action stage for several days. Farmlands flooded. Evacuations took place along River Road. NM 249 closed around 924am on the 13th between mile markers 2 and 5 per NM DOT. The Pecos River at Lake Arthur reached action stage for several hours with a peak flow of 11,781 cfs (17.85 feet) at 1115am on the 13th. The combination of heavy rainfall and high flows along the river continued near action stage flows through the 17th. 8 to 15 homes were reported damaged from flooding between Dexter and Lake Arthur. Numerous roads closed into Dexter.
Near Dexter	09/16/2013	Flash flood crest in the Rio Felix overtopped the Y.O. Crossing Road bridge.

Hydrologic Summary

The Rio Hondo at Diamond-A Ranch crested at 25.95 feet (29,500 cfs) at 930am MDT September 11, 2013. This is now the 14th highest crest observed at this location and compares to a previous crest of 26.02 feet on September 12, 1996 and 25.7 feet on September 24, 1950. The record crest is 28.78 feet set back on September 22, 1941. Significant flooding was observed along the Rio Hondo from this location east all the way to Roswell. Water rescues took place along the US 70/285 bypass in Roswell where the Rio Hondo flows through the area. Action stage is 25 feet, minor flood stage 26 feet, moderate flood stage 27 feet, and major flood stage 28 feet.

The Pecos River at Acme crested at 14.05 feet (~27,095 cfs) at 815pm MDT September 12, 2013. This crest is the 3rd highest on record for this location and compares to a previous crest of 14.82 feet on May 28, 1937 and 13.71 feet on September 23, 1941. The record crest is 14.89 feet set back on October 7, 1954. Flooding was observed along the Pecos River between Acme and Lake Arthur. Roads were closed in the area due to high water, some homes were flooded, and large areas of farmland were inundated. Action stage is 12 feet , minor flood stage 13 feet, moderate stage 14.5 feet, and major stage 16 feet.

The Pecos River at Lake Arthur crested at 17.85 feet (5,690 cfs) at 1115am MDT September 13, 2013. This crest is now the 6th highest on record for this location and compares to a previous crest of 18.12 feet on October 2, 1941 and 18.14 feet on June 26, 1986. The record crest is 21.9 feet set back on September 24, 1941. Flooding was observed along the Pecos River between Acme and Lake Arthur. Roads were closed in the area due to high water, some homes were flooded, and large areas of farmland were inundated. Action stage is 17.5 feet and minor flood stage 20 feet. There has been no determination of moderate and major flood stages.

Photos

Photo of flooded roadway near Roswell, NM. Image by Amy Cook.

Photo of flooded roadway near Roswell, NM. Image by Amy Cook.