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New Mexico Burns: Floods Threaten Wildfire Scars
8 Jul
Summary
- Over 500 wildfires scorched New Mexico this year, risking floods.
- Burned soil becomes impervious, causing rapid runoff and flooding.
- Monsoon season brings lightning and dangers of mudslides and debris flows.
New Mexico is confronting a heightened risk of flooding this year due to over 500 wildfires that have scorched thousands of acres of state, federal, and private land. The monsoon season, typically from mid-June through late September, brings the threat of lightning-caused fires and post-fire effects, including dangerous debris flows and mudslides.
The state's burn scars, from ongoing fires such as the Beehive and Sacaton Fires, are particularly susceptible. The soil in these areas has been altered, becoming impervious like asphalt, which prevents water absorption and causes rapid runoff. This phenomenon significantly increases the danger of flash flooding, even in areas not previously prone to it.
As thunderstorms become more frequent, officials urge caution near both new and old burn scars. The approaching monsoon season is expected to intensify, bringing moisture that, while potentially aiding in fire suppression, also carries the significant danger of flash floods, a lesson learned from past events like the South Fork Fire.
