Headline:
Flash Flood Warning issued July 20 at 2:58PM MDT until July 20 at 4:30PM MDT by NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
Event:
Flash Flood Warning
Urgency:
Immediate
Effective:
July 20, 2026 - 1:58pm
Expires:
July 20, 2026 - 3:30pm
Description:
At 258 PM MDT, Emergency management reported high flows coming out
of Bear Canyon and Snow Canyon due to thunderstorms. Between 0.8 and
1.2 inch of rain has fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.5
inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or
expected to begin shortly.
Excessive rainfall over the burn scar will result in debris flow
moving through the Salt Fire Burn Scar, into canyons flowing north
towards Cherokee Bill Canyon and US Highway 70. These side canyons
include Bear, Snow, and Fence Canyons. Portions of Highway 70
between Apache Summit and the Lincoln County line may be impacted.
The debris flow can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose
materials.
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing
flash flooding in and around the Salt Fire Burn Scar.
SOURCE...Emergency management reported.
IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of areas in and around
the Salt Fire Burn Scar.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Snow Canyon, Bear Canyon, Fence Canyon and Portions of US Highway
70 between Apache Summit and the Otero-Lincoln County Line.
Instruction:
This is a life threatening situation. Heavy rainfall will cause
extensive and severe flash flooding of creeks...streams...and
ditches in the Salt Fire Burn Scar. Severe debris flows can also be
anticipated across roads. Roads and driveways may be washed away in
places. If you encounter flood waters...climb to safety.
Area Description:
Otero, NM
Forcast Office:
NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
Sender: