FLOODING PREPAREDNESS 

Preparing for Flash Flooding and Debris Flows

Post-fire flooding is a real risk—stay informed, prepared, and protected.

What is a debris flow? 

Post-burn scar debris flows are fast-moving, deadly landslides. They are powerful mixtures of mud, rocks, boulders, entire trees, and sometimes, homes or vehicles.  These debris flows don’t need a long rain or a saturated slop. It can start on a dry slope after only a few minutes of intense rain. “Intense” rain means a burst of rain at a fast rate, about half an inch in an hour. With debris flows, the rainfall rate matters more than the total rainfall.

  • This depends on the severity of the wildfire that occurred, as well as how much erosion takes place. It may take many years for vegetation to become re-established, and this is the main factor in slowing the precipitation runoff that creates flash flooding and debris flows. Most burn areas will be prone to this activity for at least two years. Each wildfire burn area poses its own unique risk of flash flooding due to various factors, including proximity to population centers, burn severity, steepness of terrain, and the size of the burned area.

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!

What steps can residents near a burn scar take to safeguard themselves against potential flash flooding and debris flows?

If you are under a Flash Flood Warning: 

  • Find a safe shelter right away. 

  • Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.  Turn Around, Don’t Drown! 

  • Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. 

  • Depending on the type of flooding: 

    • Evacuate if told to do so. 

    • Move to a higher found or a higher floor. 

    • Stay where you are. 

Before a Flash Flood 

  • Build an Emergency Kit. 

  • Make a Plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do and where to go in the event of a flash flood or debris flow. Have an evacuation/ escape route planned that is least likely to be impacted by Flash Flooding or Debris Flows. 

  • Sign Up for Call Me Ruidoso. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. 

  • Be alert if any rain develops. Do not wait for a warning to evacuate should heavy rain develop. 

  • Stay informed before and during any potential events; know where to obtain National Weather Service (NWS) outlooks, Watches, and Warnings via the NWS Website, Call Me Ruidoso, and Facebook or Twitter.

During a Flash Flood

  • Listen to local news on a battery-power radio for warnings. 

  • Always follow the instructions from local emergency officials. They provide the latest recommendations based on the threats in the community. Visit the Village of Ruidoso Emergency Information page. 

  • Stay alert and awake during storms that could cause flash floods and debris flows. Many deaths from flash floods and debris flows occur while people are sleeping. 

  • Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas during times of danger. 

  • Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Do not drive into flood waters. 

After a Flash Flood

  • Pay attention to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities stay it is safe. 

  • Avoid driving except in emergencies. 

  • Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing, and boots during clean-up, and wear appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris. 

  • Be aware that snakes and other animals may be in your house. 

  • Beware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.

Sandbag Distribution

Beginning June 1, 2025, sandbag distribution points will be open and available for citizens in Ruidoso, lasting through the monsoon season. Monsoon Season starts on June 15, 2025 (If conditions require these PODs to open sooner, we will adjust the schedule.

Sandbag Use

Sandbags are a good way to reduce floodwater damage. When correctly filled and placed, they can act as a barrier to moving water around instead of through buildings. 

Sandbags will leak, and it’s best to have a pump on the dry side to remove water that gets in. Also, for people in flood-prone areas, the Village recommends that homeowners have a pump on hand ahead of time. Pumps are harder to find during flood events, so some removers should buy one just in case.

How to fill sandbags 

Follow these steps to properly fill a sandbag: 

  1. Grab one sandbag. 

  2. Get a partner. 

  3. Fill each bag to about one-third to one-half full. This keeps the bag from getting too heavy and allows the bags to stack with a good seal. 

  4. Tie the bag at the top so that it lies flat when in place. A correctly filled sandbag should weigh between 30 and 40 pounds.

  5. Remember not to overfill the bag or tie it too low. Overfilled bags and bags tied too low leave gaps in the sandbag levee, allowing water to seep.

  6. After handling sandbags, watch your hands and face.

“DID YOU KNOW that during the 2024 monsoon season, Public Works distributed more than 440 tons of sand and approximately 50,000 sandbags for Village of Ruidoso residents and businesses. ”

Sandbag Placement

 

  1. Remove any debris from the area where you will place the bags.

  2. Fold the open end of the unfilled portion of the bag to form a triangle. If tied bags are used, flatten or flare the tied end. 

  3. Place the partially-filled bags lengthwise and parallel to the direction of flow. The open end should face the water flow. 

  4. Tuck the flaps under, keep the unfilled portion under the weight of the sack. 

  5. Place remaining bags on top, offset by one-half filled length of pervious bags, and stamp into place to seal properly. 

  6. Stagger the join connections when multiple layers are necessary. 

  7. For unsupported layers over three courses high, use the pyramidal placing method. 

Pyramid placement is an option for anyone who wants to increase the sandbag protection height. To do this method, follow these steps: 

  1. Place sandbags to form a pyramid by alternating placing bags crosswise and lengthwise. 

  2. Stamp each bag in place, overlap the sack, and maintain staggered joint placement and tuck in any loose ends.