Flash Flood Emergency Declared in New Mexico as McLeod Dam Faces Imminent Failure
Flash Flood Emergency Declared in New Mexico as McLeod Dam Faces Imminent Failure
US · Published Sep 30, 2026
• The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple Flash Flood Emergencies in southern New Mexico, including the Hatch Valley in Doña Ana County, due to the imminent failure of McLeod Dam.
• Heavy rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Polo, combined with Tropical Storm Rachel and a slow-moving weather system, is causing widespread flooding across the Southwest.

Impact & Risks

The flooding poses life-threatening risks, particularly in areas with saturated ground and wildfire burn scars. In southern New Mexico, breached levees near Rincon are threatening nearby buildings, and several dams are near capacity due to intense runoff. Flash flooding and mudflows are expected in Colorado, especially in areas affected by the Aspen Acres Fire. The heavy rainfall could lead to repeated rounds of flooding in areas that do not typically experience such events, increasing risks for residents and infrastructure.

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