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Floods

Flash Floods Cause Evacuations and Closures in Big Bend National Park

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Significant amounts of rainfall in Texas have caused flash floods, wet conditions, and flooding along the Rio Grande, prompting the evacuation of a campground and closure of some roads and attractions in Big Bend National Park. With river flows exceeding 30,000 cubic feet per second at Rio Grande Village and 18,000 cfs at Castolon, localized flooding has occurred in the national park, making it unsafe to cross the Rio Grande. Park staff is working to protect historic structures, such as the Alvino House, and visitors are advised to exercise extreme caution when driving park roads.

Key Takeaways:

  • Flash floods caused the evacuation of the Rio Grande Village campground and moved campers to the Chisos Basin campground.
  • Park staff is working to protect historic structures, such as the Alvino House, from flooding.
  • The Hot Springs Historic District was flooded and inaccessible due to flash floods.
  • Minor damage and debris were left on paved park roads, and all unpaved roads were closed due to soggy conditions.
  • Motorists are advised to be alert for standing water and debris on all area roads, including Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and the road between Panther Junction and Rio Grande Village.
  • Multiple locations remained closed in Big Bend National Park, including the Boquillas Crossing, the Port of Entry, and all backcountry drive-in campsites.

Statistics:

  • River flows exceeded 30,000 cfs at Rio Grande Village and 18,000 cfs at Castolon.
  • Tornillo Creek and Terlingua Creek were full and delivering large amounts of water to the Rio Grande.
  • The National Park Service advised visitors to check the park website for current conditions, weather information, and alerts.
  • More rain is forecast over the next few days, potentially causing another rise in the river at Rio Grande Village.

Sources:

*aurant Compiled from NPS releases

  • (https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/conditions.htm) Big Bend National Park website
  • (https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/weather.htm) Big Bend National Park website for weather forecasts
  • (https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/park/big-bend-national-park) National Park Traveler's article on Big Bend National Park
  • (https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/article-category/parks-news) National Park Traveler's article category on parks in the news

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