Flooding at bridge to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Visitor Center. Photo Courtesy of the Gila National Forest
Gila Hot Springs, NM: September 15, 2013—Flood waters from heavy rain showers received within the past few days along the Gila River, Gila National Forest, has required the temporary closure of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (GCDNM) and the Gila Visitor Center.
Re-opening of both facilities is expected sometime this week when water levels decrease, heavy rains subside, and the portion of N.M. State Highway 15 that has been temporarily closed is reopened by the N.M. Department of Transportation.
N.M. 15 that provides access to the GCDNM and the Forest’s nearby recreation facilities is closed from immediately north of Doc Campbell’s Post in Gila Hot Springs since Saturday, September 14. Doc Campbell’s remains open for business.
Please contact the Gila Visitor Center between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm MDT at 575.536.9461 for further information.
Campgrounds in the area (Grapevine, Lower Forks, and Lower and Upper Scorpion) remain temporarily closed. Upper Forks Campground remains open.
Photos by Gil Aguilera, Eagle Spirit Ventures, and Courtesy of the Gila National Forest
Gila River Flooding near Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Gila River Flooding near Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Gil Aguilera of Eagle Spirit Ventures was attending the dedicationo of an Apache Monument in front of Doc Campbell's post, when those in attendance heard a loud rumble. Just to the north of the post and monument, this debris covered the road in several places in a matter of minutes.Photo by Gil Agulera, Eagle Spirit Ventures
Gila River Flooding near Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Members of the Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue Team were on their way home from a search and rescue, when they volunteered to help remove debris from NM. 15.Photo by Gil Agulera, Eagle Spirit Ventures
Gila River Flooding near Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue members aid in removing debris from flooding across NM 15. Photo by Gil Agulera, Eagle Spirit Ventures
Gila River Flooding near Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Debris along Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Visitor Center bridgePhoto Courtesy of Gila National Forest
Gila River Flooding near Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Forest Service sign almost toppled over by floodwater debrisPhoto Courtesy of Gila National Forest
Gila River Flooding near Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Flood waters along Middle Fork of Gila RiverPhoto Courtesy of Gila National Forest
Gila River Flooding near Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Floodwater at Lower Forks Campground located four miles south of GCDNMPhoto Courtesy of Gila National Forest
Gila River Flooding near Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Some debris has been removed by Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue volunteersPhoto Courtesy of Gila National Forest
Gila River Flooding near Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Photo by Gil Agulera, Eagle Spirit Ventures
Gila River Flooding near Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue volunteers on their way home after assisting Gila National Forest personnel in removing debris from flood waters that ran over Visitor Center bridge. The group was in the area on SAR incidents when the Gila River flooded. They volunteered to assist in removing the debris.Photo Courtesy of Gila National Forest
