On July 17, 2025, Bernalillo County held a news conference to assess the impact of an extreme rainfall event in the East Mountains, which resulted in 2.5 to 3 inches of rain in just 30 minutes and caused flooding along Tijeras Creek. The National Weather Service classified the storm as a 200- to 500-year event, indicating a rare occurrence. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and damage was limited to a single pedestrian bridge.
The storm tested the Tijeras Creek Watershed Restoration Project, aimed at improving water flow, erosion control, and water quality. Despite being 80-90% complete, the project functioned effectively, minimizing erosion and damage.
County officials, including Board Chair Eric Olivas, emphasized the increasing likelihood of extreme weather due to climate change and the need for further investment in infrastructure to mitigate future impacts. The Los Vecinos Community Center remains operational while assessments and repairs are planned for the restoration site. Bernalillo County, with over 676,000 residents, is New Mexico’s most populous county.
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