On the 4th, deep moisture was in place with near record level PWAT values of 1.8-2.0 inches observed by regional soundings. Instability was marginal with MLCAPE around 1000 J/kg, but it was sufficient for thunderstorms to develop across Gila county in the afternoon. With the deep moisture in place, all thunderstorms were producing very heavy rain with rain rates commonly around 1-2 inches per hour and briefly higher. Heavy rain impacted multiple burn scars across the county which are especially prone to flash flooding. Multiple flash flood warnings were issued. One storm impacted the 2021 Telegraph burn scar with 1.5-2.0 inches of rain in about 1 hour. A rain gage in Sixshooter Canyon measured 1.38 inches in 41 minutes. This led to a significant flash flood event with runoff collecting in Sixshooter Canyon and the upper portions of Pinal Creek and flowing downstream into the town of Globe. Many homes were damaged by flood waters and debris and Pinal Creek ran bankfull through much of downtown Globe with some bridges nearly overtopped. The floodwave continued several miles north of Globe with a USGS gage in Pinal Creek measuring a notable rise.

Flash Flood in GILA, ARIZONA
From 04-JUL-21 18:55:00 to 04-JUL-21 19:45:00 (MST-7)
Location: GLOBE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Multiple social media photos and videos showed 6-8 feet of water flowing down the Pinal Creek flood retention channel in downtown Globe. Flood water nearly reached the bottom of a few of the bridges across Pinal Creek. Flood water would continue downstream in Pinal Creek for several miles north of Globe. There were no reports of damage or injuries in Downtown Globe.

Flash Flood in GILA, ARIZONA
From 04-JUL-21 17:55:00 to 04-JUL-21 18:30:00 (MST-7)
Location: BORCH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

USGS stream gage on Pinal Creek at Inspiration Dam measured a rapid rise from 1.28 feet at 1745 MST to 5.20 feet at 1800 MST. A radar estimated 2 to 3 inches of rain fell over the area, including a portion of the 2020 Salt burn scar, between 1610 MST and 1730 MST. Additional smaller rises were measured at 2000 MST and 2330 MST that may have been related to a different flood wave that moved through the Globe area around 1800-1900 MST. No damages or injuries were reported.

Flash Flood in GILA, ARIZONA
From 04-JUL-21 17:55:00 to 04-JUL-21 18:55:00 (MST-7)
Location: GLOBE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Property damage: 800.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A significant flood wave of water, ash, mud, and other debris moved downstream in Pinal Creek through Six Shooter Canyon. Flood water escaped the banks of Pinal Creek in many locations and caused varying degrees of property damage to 15 homes along Six Shooter Canyon Road with one of the homes deemed a total loss. Photos and videos of two of the impacted homes showed 1-3 feet of water and debris moving through the the yards and up against the homes with water and mud entering the homes. There were also multiple videos that showed 1-2 feet of water and debris flowing rapidly down Six Shooter Canyon Rd from Delores Lane to at least Marlin Drive. In addition to the 15 damaged homes, there was a lot of damage to fencing, roads, a few bridges, vehicles, and other infrastructure and personal property. The flood wave would continue down Pinal Creek all the way through downtown Globe. There were no reports of injuries.

Debris Flow in GILA, ARIZONA
From 04-JUL-21 17:10:00 to 04-JUL-21 17:40:00 (MST-7)
Location: GLOBE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A survey done by the Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS) from the University of Arizona found evidence of debris flow across Forest Service Road 112 in multiple locations between Icehouse CCC Campground and Pioneer Pass Campground. Debris flow was found in tributaries to Pinal Creek from both the west and the east. Photos from the survey showed many large loose boulders. Timing of debris flow estimated from radar. No injuries or damage reported.

Flash Flood in GILA, ARIZONA
From 04-JUL-21 18:20:00 to 04-JUL-21 18:50:00 (MST-7)
Location: GLOBE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Video from a trained spotter showed substantial ash-blackened flood water flowing through Pinal Creek, with flow over Beer Tree Crossing near Jess Hayes Road. No damages or injuries were reported.