News Release Archive

Pecos Flooding Due to Heavy Rains

Media Contact: Mary Perea Carlson, (505) 462-3576, mcarlson@usbr.gov

For Release: September 12, 2013

CARLSBAD, NM - Water levels are rising in the Pecos River as rains continue in the area.

An increased flow of about 5,750 cubic-feet-per-second is headed down from Avalon Dam toward Carlsbad and should reach the city around 9:30 a.m. The channel below Avalon Dam and through Carlsbad is designed to hold 20,000 cfs. However, those with boating or recreation equipment in the river should be prepared for some disturbance.

The Bureau of Reclamation is coordinating with the Carlsbad Irrigation District and the Eddy County Emergency Manager.

Residents living along the Pecos in the Carlsbad area should be on alert and listen for any directions from Eddy County. If you are not working with area law enforcement, the irrigation district or Reclamation, please stay away from Avalon Dam and the Pecos.

Water levels in all reservoirs along the Pecos have doubled and in some cases tripled due to precipitation from this rain system and the National Weather Service is predicting more rain for the area today.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.