SFNF Warns Of Spring Flooding On Pecos River

SFNF News:

SANTA FE —The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) advises visitors to the Forest of potential flooding risks as Spring temperatures cause rapid snowmelt in the northern mountains of New Mexico.

As the Pecos River rises, residents and visitors may experience localized flooding and impassable road conditions. Locations impacted include all rivers and creeks in the Sangre de Cristo and Tusas Mountains and all northern tributaries of the Rio Grande.

“Strong springtime winds, low humidity and near to above-average temperatures will result in widespread critical fire weather conditions, especially at lower elevations, as well as increase snowmelt in the northern high country through at least Wednesday. Temperatures are expected to return to below-average on Thursday as a cold front sweeps the region. Lighter winds and below-average temperatures for Friday and this weekend should temporarily slow the rate of snowmelt in the high country,” said Kerry Jones, Air & Water Quality Specialist/Meteorologist, with the U.S. Forest Service.

Residents and visitors are reminded to exercise extreme caution near dangerously cold, fast-moving water and be prepared for future flood advisories or flood warnings from the National Weather Service. Streams, creeks, and rivers in the mountains will continue to experience elevated flows and rapid rises in the near future.

In the Las Vegas/Pecos District, these areas remain closed (order number: 03-10-05-23-01):

  • Barillas Area
  • All Portions of National Forest System (NFS) Road 261 starting at National Forest Boundary, until its terminus with the El Porvenir Campground.
  • All portions of National Forest System (NFS) Road 263, 263B, 263C in its entirety until its terminus with Burro Basin Trailhead.
  • A portion of National Forest System (NFS) Trail 251, the Skyline Trail, remains closed outside of wilderness.
  • Consisting of all National Forest System lands within the El Porvenir Developed Recreation Site
  • Baker Flat Picnic Site, Oak Flats Picnic Site, Big Pine Picnic Site, and Burro Basin Trailhead remain closed

For more information on current weather conditions visit the National Weather Service and for road and recreation site closures visit the Santa Fe National Forest Website.

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