Ruidoso Hit Again: Flash Floods Trigger Rescues in New Mexico Mountain Village
Ruidoso, New Mexico, a mountain village still reeling from recent wildfires and devastating floods, experienced yet another round of flash flooding on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Heavy rainfall caused the Rio Ruidoso to swell, prompting at least five rescues and the closure of roads as the community grapples with the ongoing threat.
Latest Flash Flooding: July 24, 2025
The most recent flooding event occurred on Thursday, July 24, 2025, when heavy rainfall caused significant flash flooding in Ruidoso. Emergency crews responded to multiple calls, successfully rescuing at least five individuals trapped by the rising waters. Road closures were implemented throughout the area to ensure public safety.
Social Media Captures the Scene
Residents took to social media to share dramatic videos of the flooding, showcasing the severity of the situation. The footage depicted muddy water surging down creeks and overflowing onto roads. The force of the water caused damage to property, including a mobile home, and uprooted trees, further illustrating the destructive power of the flash floods.
Rio Ruidoso Rises: Burn Scar Flooding Exacerbates the Problem
According to reports, the Rio Ruidoso river reached approximately 12.5 feet (3.81 meters) as a result of the heavy rainfall and burn scar flooding. The denuded landscape, a consequence of past wildfires, is unable to absorb the rainwater effectively, leading to rapid runoff and increased flood risk.
National Weather Service Issues Warnings
The National Weather Service has been actively monitoring the situation and issuing flash flood watches and warnings for the region. These alerts extend to parts of northern New Mexico that are also vulnerable due to burn scars resulting from the 2022 Calf Canyon Hermit's Peak blazes. The agency is urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
Recent History of Devastation: Previous Flooding and Wildfires
This latest flooding event follows closely on the heels of a massive flooding incident that occurred less than three weeks prior, in early July 2025. That earlier flood claimed the lives of three people and inflicted damage on hundreds of homes, prompting state and federal disaster declarations. During that event, the Rio Ruidoso surged to a record-breaking 20 feet (6 meters).
2024 Wildfires: A Catalyst for Catastrophe
The underlying cause of Ruidoso's increased vulnerability to flooding can be traced back to the devastating South Fork and Salt fires of Summer 2024. These wildfires consumed vast swaths of land, destroying an estimated 1,400 homes and structures. The loss of vegetation stripped the surrounding hillsides, leaving the area highly susceptible to subsequent flooding.
Community Impact and Emergency Response
The mountain village of Ruidoso is bearing the brunt of these repeated natural disasters. Local authorities and emergency crews, including National Guard rescue teams, are actively engaged in rescue operations, road closures, and damage assessments. They are working tirelessly to protect residents and mitigate the impact of the flooding.
Statements from Officials
Following the deadly floods earlier in July, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an emergency declaration request for federal resources to aid in the recovery efforts. Ruidoso Mayor Lynn D. Crawford acknowledged that the recent floods were more severe than anticipated, despite awareness of the area's vulnerability.
Vulnerability and Ongoing Threat
The vulnerability of the Ruidoso area to flash flooding is a major concern, with burn scars from the recent wildfires significantly reducing the ground's ability to absorb rainfall. The community is grappling with the challenges of recovery and preparedness in a landscape transformed by fire, emphasizing the urgent need for residents to seek higher ground and heed warnings during the rainy season.
