The Lincoln National Forest has issued a temporary closure order for portions of the Cedar Creek, Perk Canyon, and Smokey Bear Ranger District recreation areas due to hazardous monsoon-related flooding risks. Multiple trailheads, recreation sites, and trails are affected through September 30, 2026, unless lifted earlier by the U.S. Forest Service.

June 1, 2026 (Ruidoso, NM) — The final Community Flood Preparedness Workshop in Ruidoso, scheduled for June 3, 2026, has been canceled due to weather conditions. Residents and visitors are encouraged to review the Flood Aware 2026 presentation slides from the National Weather Service and Village of Ruidoso Emergency Operations Center, covering monsoon weather, burn scar flooding, flash flood alerts, emergency preparedness, and flood safety information.

The Village of Ruidoso has launched a Clean & Lien Program to address unsafe structures and reduce flood risk following recent wildfire and flooding events. The ordinance-based process prioritizes high-risk properties, supports FEMA program coordination, and helps protect public safety, infrastructure, and community resilience ahead of the 2026 monsoon season.

April 1, 2026: The Village of Ruidoso has released a draft 2026 floodplain map based on a recent hydrologic and hydraulic study. The interactive map includes both current (2025) and draft floodplain data, allowing residents to compare potential changes. Final adoption is pending approval by DHSEM and FEMA. Residents are encouraged to review the map to understand possible impacts.

Ruidoso residents are invited to attend Flood Preparedness Workshops on May 6, May 20, and June 3 from 6–8 PM. Learn about flash flooding, burn scar runoff, weather alerts, and how to prepare for the 2026 monsoon season following the impacts of the 2025 floods.