Aug 22, 2012
An upper level trough that tracked from California into southern Nevada helped to increase moisture along and west of the Continental Divide. Precipitable water values steadily increased to over one inch across New Mexico. This subtle but significant monsoon moisture surge resulted in widespread thunderstorm activity over much of central and northern New Mexico. Flash flooding was observed over the Las Conchas burn scar.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 393633). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Rio Arriba County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.