The upper-level high pressure system was located over the Great Basin area on August 16, 2022, while a backdoor front moved into eastern New Mexico before stalling along the east slopes of the central mountain chain. Increased moisture and favorable upslope flow supported increasing thunderstorm coverage across much of northeast New Mexico. With already saturated soils from an active monsoon season, the stage was already set across this area for flash flooding. New Mexico's largest burn scar was hit once again with strong thunderstorms producing heavy rainfall, flooding areas that have been repeatedly hit this summer. Meanwhile, heavy rain also impacts northwest New Mexico near the Arizona border, causing devastating flash flooding around Sheep Springs.

Flash Flood in SAN MIGUEL, NEW MEXICO
From 16-AUG-22 11:30:00 to 16-AUG-22 13:30:00 (MST-7)
Location: ROCIADA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

The IMET on the Calf Canyon fire reported flash flooding along New Mexico 276 due to the Maestas Creek overfilling its banks. Damages are not known.

Flash Flood in MORA, NEW MEXICO
From 16-AUG-22 14:00:00 to 16-AUG-22 15:45:00 (MST-7)
Location: HOLMAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Heavy rain on the Calf Canyon burn scar caused Canoncito Creek to overfill its banks and flood Highway 518. Damages are not known.

Flash Flood in SAN MIGUEL, NEW MEXICO
From 16-AUG-22 14:45:00 to 16-AUG-22 17:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: ROCIADA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Heavy rain on the Calf Canyon burn scar ran into the Rito San Jose, causing it to overfill its banks. This caused significant flooding near Rociada as high and fast-moving water ran up against a house near Highway 105 and County Road A4B. Water nearly swept away a large propane tank as well. Reports were also received of water near another building in Rociada and with water up to the bumpers of several parks vehicles. Damages are a rough estimate.

Flash Flood in COLFAX, NEW MEXICO
From 16-AUG-22 15:15:00 to 16-AUG-22 16:30:00 (MST-7)
Location: RAYADO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Colfax County emergency manager reported minor damage to State Route 21 as the nearby Moras Creek and Rayado Creek flowed over the roadway. Damage was mainly along the shoulder. Damages are estimated.

Flash Flood in MCKINLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 16-AUG-22 15:10:00 to 16-AUG-22 17:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: CHURCH ROCK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Heavy rain near Church Rock forced the closure of Interstate 40 in both directions at mile marker 33.

Flash Flood in SAN JUAN, NEW MEXICO
From 16-AUG-22 16:45:00 to 16-AUG-22 19:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: NEWCOMB
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Video shared on the social media platform Tik Tok showed impressive and devastating flash flooding near Sheep Springs. A massive wave of water near U.S. Highway 491 swept horse trailers, farm equipment, and lawn furniture downstream. Water overtopped the hoods of parked vehicles and inundated a few structures and residences. Damages are a rough estimate.

Flash Flood in MCKINLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 16-AUG-22 16:53:00 to 16-AUG-22 18:30:00 (MST-7)
Location: MENTMORE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Heavy rain near Tse Bonito caused water to flow over State Route 264 at mile marker 1. Reports were received of cars stalled on the roadway. Damages are estimated.

Flash Flood in MCKINLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 16-AUG-22 16:55:00 to 16-AUG-22 19:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: TWIN LAKES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy rain near Yah-Ta-Hey caused water to flow over State Route 264 at mile markers 9 through 10. Any damages are not known.

Flash Flood in SAN JUAN, NEW MEXICO
From 16-AUG-22 18:30:00 to 16-AUG-22 19:45:00 (MST-7)
Location: BLOOMFIELD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Flash flooding reported along County Road 4990 at Armenta Wash near Bloomfield with water flowing over the roadway. This completely destroyed the roadway. Damages are estimated.