Photo: Richard T. Nowitz/Getty Images

New Mexico Mountain Town Rocked by Historic Floods

Originally posted on Powder | By Ian Greenwood | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 4:15 PM ET

The mountain village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, was struck by a historic flash flood that left three dead this week.

"Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy," said Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford in a statement. "The entire Village of Ruidoso extends our deepest sympathy and compassion to these grieving families during this unimaginably difficult time. We are united in our sorrow and our commitment to supporting one another as we face this devastating loss together.”

The monsoonal flood caused the Rio Ruidoso to swell to a height of 20 feet, about five feet above the previous record.

As the flood swept through town Tuesday afternoon, emergency crews conducted about 65 swift water rescues. The flooding also destroyed 30 to 50 homes.

Tuesday evening, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an emergency declaration, requesting federal response teams and repair resources. The governor has since said that the federal administration is expected to deliver $3 million from FEMA and another $12 million through the USDA, KOAT Action News reported.

Sandbags protect a building in Ruidoso, New Mexico after floods swept through town in July of 2024. This week's floods rose significantly higher.Photo: The Washington Post / Contributor via Getty Images

On Thursday, the U.S. Forest Service announced that several popular trailheads around Ruidoso would be temporarily closed through September 30, or until conditions improve.

Located in central New Mexico, Ruidoso sits east of Ski Apache, one of several ski areas in the state. Another mountain, Ski Cloudcroft, is about an hour’s drive south.

The village, which also offers access to other outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, and fishing, has seen flooding in the past. The Associated Press reported last summer that in the wake of several wildfires, floodwaters hit Ruidoso.

The previous year’s wildfires also made Ruidoso more susceptible to flooding. When the land is stripped of natural vegetation, it doesn’t absorb rainfall well.

In New Mexico, the monsoon season lasts between June and September, with a historical peak in flash flood events during July and August. The Ruidoso flash flood follows the tragic, deadly flooding that struck Central Texas earlier this month.