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2d ago

Flash Floods Swamp Ruidoso’s Upper Canyon, Triggering Dozens of Rescues

Monsoon storms over last year’s burn scars have overwhelmed infrastructure, forcing residents into emergency shelters.

Representational.
Flash Flood
Flooding Rio Ruidoso River at Hollywood, New Mexico on July 30, 2025. Credit: USGS

Overview

  • On July 30, monsoon downpours pounded hydrophobic burn scars from 2024 wildfires, causing the Rio Ruidoso to surge and flood Upper Canyon.
  • Emergency crews, including the National Guard and local fire teams, carried out dozens of swift-water rescues to evacuate residents trapped by rising waters.
  • The National Weather Service maintained a flash flood warning until 7:30 p.m. and a watch through 6 a.m. with rainfall rates up to two inches per hour forecast.
  • Floodwaters forced closure of Highway 70 between Mescalero Trail and Avalon Boulevard and left Davis Drive and Brady Canyon residents without power or water.
  • Shelters at Eastern New Mexico University and the Ruidoso Community Centre opened to house evacuees as officials warn of further storms.