May 22, 2005
Warm spring temperatures resulted in rapid snowmelt which caused the La Plata River to exceed its banks and flood around Hesperus. After years of drought and a lack of flushing flows, debris buildup in rivers and creeks enhanced flooding. Severe bank erosion occurred and large live and dead cottonwood trees were observed flowing down the river. A 50 foot section of a 12 foot diameter sewer line was washed out by the flood waters south of Hermosa near the Animas River confluence. Tree damming in
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 5477664). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Animas River Basin County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.