Monsoonal weather and flash flood potential persist

By Arnie Leshin 

Highlights: Today, Southwest Incident Management Team 5, under Incident Commander Mark Bernal, took command of the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires at 7:00 am. Team 5 is glad to be back and serving the local communities. The two fires will now both be referred to as Calf Canyon Fire; however, the Hermits Peak Inciweb Page and email will remain active and will contain up-to-date information.

Operations: Yesterday, suppression repair was limited due to continued precipitation which is affecting drainages, road networks, and slopes. Debris flows in drainages, soft or washed-out roads, and soft slopes are expected to be present in the fire area for the foreseeable future. Incident efforts are focused on assessing suppression repair needs and implementing repair work. The current monsoonal weather pattern is expected to continue for the next few weeks. Flooding and debris flows may impact roads, culverts, drainages, and private property. Assessment and repair work will continue when weather is favorable to meet suppression and repair objectives.

Closures and Restrictions: Area closures remain in effect for both the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests. These closures are in place for ongoing wildfire suppression repair operations, and to protect public health and safety in the event of debris flow and flash flooding. The wildfire suppression repair operations include, but are not limited to, road repair and stabilization, heavy equipment use, and fire line repair efforts. For the latest information about the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires closure orders for both the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests, please see the links to each forest’s website below. Information related to fire restrictions across public and private land can be found at: https://nmfireinfo.com/fire-restrictions/. 

Weather: Yesterday, scattered thunderstorms developed in the afternoon with slow erratic movements. Storms were initially across the higher terrain of the Pecos Wilderness and up to the Highway 518 corridor west of Holman, with general coverage along and north of a line from Rociada to Gaston and Sapello. Occasional cloud to ground lightning occurred. Locally heavy rainfall up to an inch and localized flooding were noted in the stronger storms. Temperatures ranged from the 80s in less cloudy areas to the 70s in higher spots, with temperatures in the mid to upper 60s immediately near storms. More showers and thunderstorms will be possible each afternoon and evening through the upcoming week. Heavy rainfall and localized flooding will be possible. Temperatures will remain a little lower than normal through midweek.

Fire Flooding and Recovery Resources: Disaster Assistance Resources: https://www.nmdhsem.org/2022-wildfires/| After Wildfire New Mexico Guide: https://www.afterwildfirenm.org/| Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires Burned Area Emergency Response: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8104/  

For questions or concerns related to flooding, please call the New Mexico State Emergency Operations Center at 1-800-432-2080. For federal disaster assistance, please call theFEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. 

Private Land Suppression Repair Survey(English and Spanish): https://www.tinyurl.com/suppressionrepair  

Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Phone: 505-356-2636| Email: 2022.hermitspeak@firenet.gov