NWS ABQ - 2013 September Flooding-Socorro 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)
Socorro 9.9 SSE (CoCoRaHS)	5.72
Bosque (RAWS)	4.62
Magdalena (RAWS)	4.42
Socorro Airport (AWOS)	4.17
Gran Quivira (COOP)	3.86
Lemitar 0.7 NNE (CoCoRaHS)	3.50
Sevilleta (RAWS)	3.49
Chupadera (RAWS)	3.41
Polvadera 0.5 S (CoCoRaHS)	3.09
Bernardo (COOP)	2.83

Impact Summary

Location	Date	Summary
Countywide	09/10-09/17/2013	The initial round of intense rainfall on the 10th and 11th flooded numerous roadways and homes then subsequent heavy rainfall through the 15th created extreme flooding. County emergency management indicated a total of at least 16 roads were washed out and damaged severely across the county, including NM 408 and CR 91 between Escondida and Lemitar, and NM 1 between San Antonio and Luis Lopez. The Rio Puerco and Rio Grande rivers both flooded into nearby low lying areas and threatened nearby communities. A breach in a levee on the Rio Puerco flooded several homes and the community of San Francisco was evacuated. The US 380 bridge east of San Antonio was overtopped. US 60 was closed at mile marker 166.
Near Bernardo	09/15-09/17/2013	Widespread heavy rainfall led to a near record crest on the Rio Puerco at Bernardo. The peak flow of 7,120 cfs at 1130pm on the 15th was the second highest crest ever observed dating back to 1941. The river was above action stage for several days and was above flood stage between 7pm on the 15th and 10am on the 16th. Flooding occurred areas along the river. The Rio Grande at Acacia reported a 9,000 cfs at 130pm on the 16th, which was the highest crest ever observed.
San Antonio	09/10-09/12/2013	Water flooded several homes near San Antonio. Several roads around San Antonio were still under water as of noon on the 12th and then finally cleaned up by around 630 pm on the 12th.
Socorro	09/10/2013	Franklin Street flooded and closed due to high water. Other streets in western Socorro also flooded out from heavy rainfall.
San Antonio	09/15-09/16/2013	US 380 closed between San Antonio and Carrizozo due to flooding. A levy broke leading to heavy erosion along the roadway. NM 1 is also closed between mile markers 21 and 22 due to a wash out.

Hydrologic Summary

The Rio Puerco at Bernardo crested at 21.22 feet (7,120 cfs) at 1030pm MDT September 16, 2013. This is the 2nd highest crest ever observed at this location and compares to a previous crest of 19.52 feet on August 10, 2006. The record crest is 27.9 feet set back on September 23, 1941. Significant flooding was observed along the Rio Puerco around the San Francisco community where a levee breach flooded several homes. Action stage is 18 feet, minor flood stage 19.5 feet, moderate flood stage 23 feet, and major flood stage 27 feet.

The Rio Grande at San Acacia crested at 18.69 feet (8,780 cfs) at 1130am MDT September 16, 2013. This crest is the second highest on record for this location and compares to a previous crest of 16.16 feet on May 25, 2010. The record crest is 20.1 feet set back on August 1, 2006. Action stage is 21 feet , minor flood stage 23 feet, and moderate 25 feet. There has been no determination of major flood stage.

The Rio Grande at San Marcial crested at 19.81 feet (4,250 cfs) at 245pm MDT September 19, 2013. This is now the 7th highest crest for this location and compares to a previous crest of 19.4 feet set back on May 11, 1985. Action stage is 24.5 feet, minor flood stage 24.5 feet, and moderate flood stage 26 feet. There has been no determination of major flood stage.

Photos

Aerial view of Rio Puerco near Bernardo

Aerial view of Rio Puerco near Bernardo looking west and south from U.S. Highway 60. Photo taken September 17, 2013.

The Rio Puerco breaches its banks near the small community of San Francisico, causing damage to a road.

The Rio Puerco breaches its banks near the small community of San Francisico, causing damage to a road. Image taken on September 16, 2013.

Standing water can be seen several days after flooding inundated the Rio Puerco. Image taken near Bernardo at U.S. Highway 60 on September 23, 2013.

Standing water can be seen several days after flooding inundated the Rio Puerco. Image taken near Bernardo at U.S. Highway 60 on September 23, 2013.