- Officials warned September 29 that McLeod Dam was at risk of imminent failure.
- Residents of Salem and Garfield were urged to evacuate before conditions worsened.
- The National Weather Service warned of life-threatening flash flooding below the dam.
- Shelters were opened for residents leaving the affected communities.
- Heavy rain and flooding were already affecting parts of Doña Ana County.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 (Story Developing) — A flash flood emergency and the threat of a dam failure prompted evacuations in southern New Mexico on September 29, as officials warned residents not to wait for conditions to get worse.
Doña Ana County
issued an evacuation notice for the communities of Salem and Garfield amid worsening weather and flooding. The National Weather Service also warned that McLeod Dam was at risk of imminent failure, creating the possibility of life-threatening flooding downstream.
“Residents in the affected areas are strongly encouraged to evacuate now and move to a safe location before conditions worsen,” Doña Ana County said.
Video report:
Dam Operators Report an Imminent Threat.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency after dam operators and county officials reported that McLeod Dam was at risk of imminent failure.
The warning covered rural areas between Garfield and Salem, including portions of Highways 187 and 390 and areas along the Garfield Drain, Garfield Canal and other drainage and irrigation ditches.
The National Weather Service described the situation as particularly dangerous and told people in low-lying areas below the dam to move to higher ground immediately.
Heavy rainfall had already created flooding problems across northern Doña Ana County. The National Weather Service reported moderate to heavy rain and warned that arroyos and other low-lying areas could continue to flood.
Salem and Garfield Residents Told to Leave.
Doña Ana County urged residents of Salem and Garfield to leave while they could still travel safely.
“Residents should not wait until conditions worsen to evacuate,” the county said.
People leaving their homes were advised to take essential medications, identification, important documents and necessary supplies, including items needed for children and pets.
Emergency vehicles and heavy equipment were positioned in affected areas, according to a video report. Road 187 was also reported closed to traffic.
Officials warned residents to avoid flooded roads, follow directions from emergency crews, and not return home until authorities say conditions are safe.
Shelters Open for Evacuees.
Doña Ana County directed residents needing shelter to the Radium Springs Community Resource Center at 12060 Lindbeck Road and the Doña Ana Community Resource Center at 5745 Ledesma Drive.
Hatch Valley High School was also opened as a temporary shelter for people who could not evacuate south of Hatch because of weather conditions.
The American Red Cross was sent to the Radium Springs Community Resource Center to assist evacuees.
Flooding Extends Beyond the Dam Threat.
The emergency surrounding McLeod Dam developed as heavy rain caused flooding elsewhere in Doña Ana County on September 29.
Earlier in the day, the National Weather Service issued multiple flash flood warnings as thunderstorms moved across the area. In portions of the upper Hatch Valley, forecasters reported very heavy rainfall rates and warned that considerable flash flooding could develop.
By the afternoon, the National Weather Service said flooding of arroyos and other low-lying areas was occurring or imminent. Low-water crossings were inundated in some areas and might not be passable.
The immediate concern near Garfield and Salem, however, was the condition of McLeod Dam and the possibility that a failure could send dangerous floodwater into areas below it.
Doña Ana County said additional information about evacuation areas, road conditions, and available resources would be released as it became available.
