Jul 12, 2015
A very moist and unstable atmosphere in place along with weak steering flow set the stage for numerous thunderstorms with locally heavy rainfall. One storm in particular to the west of Ruidoso near Bonito Lake produced a significant localized flash flood near Orchard Campground and Marthas Canyon. Several points on the road were washed over with flood waters, mud, rocks, and debris.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 578175). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Lincoln County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.