You are here

Home » Heavy Rains Lead To Closure Of Guadalupe Mountains National Park In Texas

Heavy Rains Lead To Closure Of Guadalupe Mountains National Park In Texas

Share

Published Date

September 12, 2013

Heavy rains brought flooding Thursday across Guadalupe Mountains National Park. These photos were taken in McKittrick Canyon and on the Salt Basin Dunes. NPS photos.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas was closed Thursday afternoon due to heavy rains that were causing flooding in the park.

Rangers were working to get visitors out of the Pine Springs Campground. Other areas in the park that were closed by the storm, according to Superintendent Dennis A. Vásquez, were McKittrick Canyon, Frijole Ranch, the Pinery, the Pine Springs Campground, Williams Ranch, the Salt Basin Dunes, Dog Canyon and all backcountry areas, unpaved roads and trails.

However, the Pine Springs Visitor Center remained open to provide information and assist motorists.

The Texas Department of Transportation was reporting that FM 1437, FM 2249 and FM1575, in the Dell City area were all closed due to high water and flooding. The New Mexico Department of Transportation was reporting that NM 137 to Dog Canyon is closed between mile marker 1 and mile marker 54.

The National Weather Service reported that the Bowl had recorded 12.41 inches of rain during the last 24 hours, while Dog Canyon recorded 9.50 inches, McKittrick Canyon 7.32 inches, and the Pinery 5.12 inches. Most of the creeks and arroyos in the park were showing high water and flooding.

“We have not seen rainfall like this in a long time. Creeks and arroyos are running very high and unpaved roads are impassible at this time. As always, our primary concern is for the safety of park visitors and staff, and for the protection of park resources," said Superintendent Vásquez. "With current conditions and the continued forecast for heavy rain and potential for even higher waters and flooding, I have decided that the best course of action, at this time, was to close the affected areas of the park.”

Park information, including park conditions, closures or restrictions, weather and program information, may be found on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/GUMO/, on the park’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Guadalupe.Mountains/, or by contacting the Pine Springs Visitor Center at (915) 828- 3251 x2124.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.