The flash flood waters silted up old arroyos and have found new channels to travel in the next time heavy rains occur.
Residents along N.M. Highway 485, in Gilman and the Rio Guadalupe Valley, remain in continuous and increased danger of renewed flooding. The Jemez Valley Fire Department has donated the first 1000 bags (more are needed) and are looking for a truck to haul in the sand to fill them.
Filling and setting up all the needed bags is beyond the means of the families affected, and help from community members equipped with shovels would be appreciated.
The danger of more flooding has increased since the last time. Velma Chaves, who lives in the affected area reports that a 20 ft. deep arroyo that runs between their and their neighbor's properties has completely silted up and is now level with ground around it. Other watercourses in the area are similarly affected, and while last time the rushing waters did not reach and wash through the houses, the new configuration of the land requires that the buildings be protected with sandbags.
Veronica Encinias, Helen and Terry Capps, Velma Chaves. Esther Smedley and others live in adjoining properties. The first flood made a direct hit on the Encinias and Smedley property, and then the waters travelled parallel to the old river channel, partly forming a new course and sweeping through people's properties down toward where the Rio Guadalupe joins the Jemez River.
If the sand and extra bags do arrive in the next few days the folks in the newly endangered zone will start building their protective walls. This will most likely take place on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to early afternoon. Anyone able and willing to help should find out if the delivery has been made by calling Helen Capps, at 834-7423.