After experiencing the single driest May in the history of drought tracking, Cibola County is receiving an abundance of rain. The threat of fire danger has shutdown the Cibola National Forest, but the forest is now reopening. The rains appear to bring a relief to the drought, but are creating headaches for the county government after washing away a bridge – the only access in and out of the rural village of Moquino. The county is taking emergency steps to help support the people of Moquino, at an estimated cost of at least $500,000.
Flooding has plagued most of Cibola County, with the most recent bout of flooding occurring Monday, June 28 off County Road 605 near Ralph Card Road. Because of the increased chance of flooding across Cibola, the US Federal Emergency Management Agency put out alerts warning area residents to stay away from the burn scar where the Cerro Bandera Fire burned. The warnings alerted to potential flash floods in the area.
The rain caused hazardous driving conditions over the past week in Cibola County, with first responders sent to multiple car accidents on Interstate 40. Cibola County Sheriff Tony Mace cautioned drivers that when severe rains or other weather occurs, they need to slow down.
Despite the significant rains, Cibola County remains in a drought. The short-term drought situation is clearing up, and the National Weather Service is expecting the drought situation to become less severe for a short time thanks to the rain. Despite this, the long-term drought situation is mostly unaffected by the recent rain.
Municipal Response
The City of Grants was victim to a series of insults on Facebook, after flooding blocked First Street. The city has spent millions of dollars improving the draining systems in the city to prevent flooding, and has spent years working on the project which is not yet complete. City Manager Donald Jaramillo confirmed that the severe flooding overwhelmed the stage of construction the city is currently in, because the First Street Project is not competed, water pumps have not yet been placed to remove water that may pool up. This is why water pooled up and closed First Street for several days. The project is ongoing, but is stifled by supply chain issues and rising costs of materials.
As part of Mayor Erik Garcia’s initiative to make the City of Grants, “The safest, cleanest city in New Mexico,” the city has been cleaning out ditches, an effort which supported water flow in the arroyos and prevented further flooding.
The Village of Milan was prompted to revisit their flood ordinances, and has been working to create provisions in policy that will protect the public and improve drainage abilities to prevent flooding.
Several years ago, the Village Board of Trustees heard from the county government about the danger of floodplains, and worked to remediate the potential of flooding in several areas of the village. These new drainage systems the village designed worked well to prevent drastic flooding. Cibola County
Flooding overwhelmed all corners of Cibola County. County Manager Kate Fletcher has worked hard to keep roads safe and strong in the county. With the help of the Cibola County Board of Commissioners, the county has been working to update road infrastructure.
The county identified the bridge into Moquino as a road in need of rehabilitation. Working with local legislators, the county and Representative Harry Garcia managed to get funding for the road onto the governor’s desk, the governor vetoed this funding however.
After mass flooding on June 19, the two-culvert bridge leading to Moquino could not handle the water flow and was washed away. This was the only entrance and exit to the village, meaning that a medical disaster oraccident would require a helicopter flying in to the village. The destruction of Moquino’s access bridge created an emergency situation, which was addressed by the County Commission on June 27.
The meeting was held at 3 p.m. with Commissioner Robert Windhorst serving as chairman, Commissioner Ralph Lucero in person and Commissioner Christine Lowery video calling in to the meeting. Under direction from Manager Fletcher, the commission passed nearly $500,000 in emergency funds to rebuild the bridge, and they gave Manager Fletcher all the power she needs to spend more, if it is necessary to the construction of the bridge.
Rep. Garcia said he would support the efforts of Cibola County in fixing this emergency situation. Commissioners heard from a concerned citizen about the flooding in Cubero, to which Manager Fletcher said the county was in discussion with the US Army Corps of Engineers and with the county road department to find solutions to the danger of flooding in Cubero.
Reopening Cibola National Forest
Cibola National Forest reopened Friday, June 24 at 8 a.m. after being closed due to fire danger concerns. 2022 saw New Mexico’s two largest wildfires in state history, as the drought continued to worsen in the Cibola National Forest, restrictions were put in place that are meant to protect the forest.
Thanks to monsoon rains brining widespread precipitation to large swaths of grasslands, the national forest decided to lift all restrictions. “We know that these necessary fire restrictions and closures can cause a negative impact and we greatly appreciate the cooperation that we have received during this time. We are really excited to reopen the forest to the public,” said Steve Hattenbach, Forest Supervisor for the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands.