Full Notification

...The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Flood Warning for the following rivers in New Mexico... Rio Chama Below Chamita affecting Rio Arriba County.

* WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast.

* WHERE...Rio Chama below Chamita.

* WHEN...From this afternoon to Thursday morning.

* IMPACTS...At 6.0 feet, Properties in the flood plain along the Rio Chama and near the junction of the Rio Ojo Caliente will see water in their yards. Impacts can include bank erosion and damage to wells and septic tanks. These impacts will increase in severity at higher river levels.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 4:00 PM MDT Wednesday the stage was 6.1 feet. - Bankfull stage is 5.5 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 4:00 PM MDT Wednesday was 6.1 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 6.2 feet this evening. It will then fall below flood stage this evening. - Flood stage is 6.0 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 6.1 feet on 07/26/2001. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

* AFFECTED AREAS: RIO ARRIBA, NM

Instructions:

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov/abq. The next statement will be issued Thursday morning at 700 AM MDT.