Flood Disaster Unfolds in Ruidoso as Burned Hills Give Way to Raging Waters
A year after devastating wildfires scorched its surrounding forests and hills, the mountain village of Ruidoso faced a new disaster on Tuesday as flash floods unleashed chaos on the vulnerable community. Fueled by slow-moving thunderstorms and cascading over fire-charred terrain, floodwaters rose rapidly, washing away homes, inundating neighborhoods, and prompting dozens of swift water rescues.
By Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) had issued a flash flood emergency for Ruidoso, a rare and urgent alert signaling life-threatening conditions. At the heart of the disaster was the Rio Ruidoso, a normally tranquil river that turned into a raging force of destruction, cresting at an unprecedented 20.24 feet — a full four feet higher than the record set just one year ago.
Burn Scars Become Flood Traps
The emergency unfolded when intense rainfall — more than an inch in a short period — fell on the burn scars left by last year’s South Fork Fire, which ignited in June 2024 and consumed over 17,000 acres of land. Without vegetation to absorb the downpour, water raced downhill, collecting debris and carving destructive paths through already weakened areas.
“We're seeing mudslides, gas leaks, and destroyed homes,” said Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford, speaking to residents via local radio. “If you’re high and dry, that’s a good deal right now. But if you’re in a flood-prone area, stay put and stay safe.”
Homes Swept Away, Bridges Submerged
Videos circulating on social media showed dramatic scenes of destruction: a home crashing through trees after being swept downriver, roads submerged, and families being rescued by emergency crews. Officials confirmed more than two dozen swift water rescues had taken place by Tuesday night, while three individuals remained unaccounted for.
The village’s emergency operations center issued a call for residents to report missing loved ones, especially if communication had been lost.
Floodwaters Inundate Ruidoso Downs Racetrack
In one of the more striking images from the day, floodwaters surged through Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, flooding barns and stables. Quarter horse trainer Marc Jungers reported that water rose four feet inside his barn, submerging horses up to their knees.
“Mother Nature got us today,” Jungers said. “Our priority now is the horses’ safety.”
Another trainer, Eric Valenzuela, said the track’s infrastructure had sustained serious damage, including the jockeys’ quarters. His stables, situated on higher ground, were spared, but the future of the racing season remains uncertain.
Urgent Warnings and Life-Threatening Conditions
Meteorologist Eddie Garcia of KOB 4 shared video footage of a cabin being swept away, reinforcing the gravity of the situation. “A house in Ruidoso was washed away just 30 minutes ago,” he posted, echoing the NWS’s warning: “Do NOT drive through floodwaters. The current will carry away your vehicle.”
The flash flood emergency remained in effect until late Tuesday night, as town officials continued to warn of further dangers in local streams, creeks, and ditches. With bridges underwater, access to several neighborhoods was cut off, complicating rescue and relief efforts.
A Town Caught Between Fire and Flood
Ruidoso, nestled in the Sierra Blanca mountain range and home to about 7,600 residents, lies roughly 180 miles southeast of Albuquerque. The town has barely recovered from the deadly fires of 2024, which claimed two lives and destroyed hundreds of homes. Now, it faces another monumental challenge in the form of floods that exploit the land left barren by those very fires.
As recovery begins once again, residents are left to navigate the harsh reality of climate-compounded disasters — where fire weakens the land, and flood follows in its wake.