Cibola County Emergency Services & Management

07/22/2026

FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM NOON MDT TODAY THROUGH THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
possible.

* WHERE...Portions of northwestern, west-central NM, and the
Southwest Mountains.

* WHEN...From noon MDT today through this evening.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Low-water crossings may be flooded. Flooding may occur in poor
drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm
drains and ditches may become clogged with debris.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms with rainfall rates
in excess of 1 inch per hour may lead to rapid runoff and flash
flooding. Areas that have recently received heavy rainfall will
be more susceptible to flash flooding impacts.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

07/02/2026

Do your part to prevent wildfire.

As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, remember that fireworks are prohibited on public lands.

Possessing, igniting, discharging or using any kind of fireworks is prohibited on national forests and grasslands.

06/16/2026

Still in effect.

06/16/2026

Storm chances will become more spotty for the rest of this week with increasing fire danger Tuesday and Wednesday. Temps will be very hot!

06/16/2026

06/09/2026

New Wildfire Start on Mt Taylor Ranger District

Fire resources are responding to suppress the Hausner Wildfire within Zuni Mountains on the Mt Taylor Ranger District.

Reported start date / time: June 8, 2026 / 1700

Cause: Lightning.

Size: Estimate 2 acres.

Location: In the area of Hausner Canyon southeast Zuni Mountains, 5 miles NW of Oso Ridge Lookout on Mt. Taylor Ranger District – New Mexico on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should avoid the fire area. Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. The public is reminded that “If you fly, we can’t!”

Resources on scene: US Forest Service.

Fire behavior: moderate.

Fuels: Timber.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible north of NM-53, SW of I-40, west of Grants and Milan, NM in the Zuni Mts. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Weather: The forecast for Grants, NM tonight: A slight chance of rain and thunderstorms before midnight, then a slight chance of showers after 3am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable. Chance of precipitation is 20%. https://www.weather.gov/

This will be the only release on the unless conditions or the situation warrants additional information.

The Mt Taylor District is currently under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/fire for fire restriction information.

02/04/2026

Announcement- Road CLOSURE February 23rd-27th, 2026. For more information call RNDOT (505) 876-9676.

01/22/2026

WINTER STORM WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM LATE FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH
LATE SATURDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations generally
between 1 inch and 5 inches except higher amounts up to 8 inches
above 7,500 feet.

* WHERE...Middle Rio Grande Valley including the Albuquerque Metro
Area, West Central Highlands, Southwest Mountains, Upper Tularosa
Valley, and San Agustin Plains and Adjacent Lowlands.

* WHEN...From late Friday night through late Saturday night.

* IMPACTS...Plan on snow packed or icy road conditions. This includes
portions of I-40 and I-25.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Rain is likely in many of these areas below
7,500 feet Friday and Friday night, with a transition over to snow
on Saturday when snow levels drop below valley floors.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.