Update: Flood control measures successful in Mescalero

• Prevention measures in place for the next rain event

With the Soldier Canyon Fire wrapped up and the remnants of a hurricane approach last week, officials in Mescalero focused their attention  on preventing flooding from areas impacted by the flames.

"Crews were on task with weather predictions, sandbags and concrete barriers," Thora Padilla, Emergency Management Officer with the Mescalero Apache Tribe and Bureau of Indian Affairs, said Monday. "The Flood Response Group worked throughout the weekend to ensure safety of community members and all buildings at risk. Now that Hurricane Bud has dissolved, all flood preparation equipment is in place. In the event of another flood warning, crews and equipment will be ready to operate."

The Mescalero Apache Reservation adjoins the village of Ruidoso, although it falls within Otero County.

The Burned Area Emergency Response Team was successful in assessing the mitigation of the flood, she said. They provided treatments to the burned area that are predicted for a 10 year to 25-year flood event. Working crews and researchers were safe in all of their completed assignments in the past few days.

Although flood preparations are complete by the Flood Response Group and the BAER Team, Padilla said Soldier Canyon and Mescalero residents were encouraged to be alert of weather patterns.

"By keeping aware of weather patterns as it pertains to rain storms, this will be a good way to prepare for flooding," she said. "Local law enforcement also encourages residents to be aware of weather patterns and, most of all, their safety. Safety is vital in any situation even, weather related. Practicing evacuation/flooding drills, yielding to all law enforcement vehicles and keeping watch over your family members is good to keep in mind when preparing for potential flood or evacuation."

On Saturday, the Mescalero Apache Reservation was elevated to Class III – High Fire Danger restrictions. 

Last week, the Flood Response Group assembled sand bags and placed k-rail concrete barriers Wednesday and Thursday around homes and below the fire area in Soldier Canyon to divert flood runoff.. The Mescalero president declared a state of emergency to trigger the tribe's Emergency Operations Plan and to access outside resources.

"After much coordination with tribal medicine men, the brush piles in Soldier Canyon will be hauled to a different site,"Padilla wrote in a release on preventative measures last week. "It iis important that all crews identify and respect cultural material they may approach."