The monsoon season is bringing severe weather to northern New Mexico. Rainfall over areas burned by the 2022 Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon fires is causing flooding in Gallinas Canyon and along the Gallinas River. If you are downslope of the areas burned, stay vigilant and watch for emergency evacuation notifications.
Why Burn Scars Cause Flooding
When wildfires burn through forests and grasslands, they destroy the vegetation and organic matter that normally absorbs rainfall. The burned soil becomes hydrophobic, meaning water cannot soak in. Instead, rainfall rushes across the surface, picking up ash, debris, and sediment as it flows downhill. This can cause flash floods that are faster and more destructive than typical flooding, even from relatively modest rainfall.
Flooding can happen hours after a thunderstorm has passed, particularly in the upper portions of the Gallinas Canyon watershed. Communities downslope from burn scars face elevated risk throughout the monsoon season.
Flash Flood Safety Checklist
- Never drive, bike, or walk into standing or flowing water. Turn around and seek higher ground immediately.
- Keep fuel levels in your vehicle above half a tank so you can evacuate quickly if needed.
- Monitor local emergency alerts and evacuation notifications from San Miguel County and the City of Las Vegas.
- Know your evacuation route before a storm arrives.
Prepare a Go Bag
If you live in or near a burn scar area, prepare a go bag that you can grab quickly in an emergency. Your go bag should include:
- Medication, glasses, and medical equipment or devices
- IDs and important paperwork: social security cards, insurance documents, and similar items
- Cash, bank cards, and credit cards
- A change of clothing, including a jacket and sturdy shoes or boots
- Cell phone, laptop, charging cables, and extra batteries
- Pillow and blanket
- Flashlight or portable battery-powered lantern
- Snacks and drinking water
- Books and toys for kids
Were you affected by the Hermit's Peak or Calf Canyon wildfires?
If your property has been damaged by wildfire or subsequent flooding, you may have legal options for recovery. Roybal-Mack & Cordova has represented hundreds of families in wildfire disaster cases. Contact us today for a consultation.
For more information on wildfire recovery legal options, visit our New Mexico Wildfire Recovery practice page.