SFNF News:
SANTA FE — Current conditions from record snowfall this year in the Jemez Mountains is now melting due to warmer temperatures.
The good news is, we had some cooler temperatures yesterday reducing the volume of snowmelt. However, flooding is and will continue until approximately 20-30 inches of snow melt dissipates.
In the meantime, the Santa Fe National Forest’s Jemez Ranger District is working with area partners to keep recreation areas and some roads closed so they won’t pose a safety issue for visitors and employees in the area.
What can you do to help?
PLEASE WAIT until Forest Service roads, recreation areas, and fishing access points are deemed open. Again, your and SFNF employees’ safety is vitally important to prevent search and rescue crews from having to get involved when it can be prevented. Please take personal responsibility for your and your family’s safety.
Recreation areas that have been designated closed and have been surrounded by jersey barriers at Soda Springs and Battleship Rock Campground are there to keep the public out. Road conditions on New Mexico State Hwy 4 have had intermittent flooding and it is unknown when conditions may change again.
Jemez District:
- Due to warmer temperatures with rapid snowmelt, there is currently flooding in the Jemez community.
- Forest Service Roads 289, 36 corridor, 10 corridor – OPEN
- Gilman Tunnels – CLOSED due to rockslide
- Forest Service Road 266 – CLOSED
- Soda Springs and Battleship Rock Campground, as well as all Jemez Ranger District campgrounds are closed. (SFNF will update their website today).
Current NWS Snowmelt Flood Warnings & Advisories:
- NWS extended a Flood Warning for Snowmelt along the Jemez River above Jemez Pueblo (flows peaked Saturday morning and were just below established flood stage this morning)
- NWS updated a Flood Advisory for Snowmelt along the Pecos River above Pecos (flows are just below action stage that is one level below minor flood stage)
- NWS issued a broader statement Saturday afternoon highlighting elevated runoffs for all the streams, creeks and tributaries throughout northern NM.
- Also, worth noting that with the upcoming weekend… Cold water is dangerous! Cold water can drain body heat up to 4 times faster than cold air.
SFNF asks the public to check out other federal and state land opportunities that are not experiencing flooding to recreate. Thank you.
