Rio Grande Flooding Closes Riverside Parks in Las Cruces and Sunland Park

Rising water along the Rio Grande has prompted officials to close or restrict access to riverside areas in both Las Cruces and Sunland Park, while flooding near the New Mexico-Texas state line has also affected roads.

The Sunland Park Police Department is asking residents to stay away from River Levee Park and Trail near Sunland Park Drive and Racetrack Drive because of flooding.

Police warned people not to enter flooded trails or approach the river’s edge and asked that children and pets be kept away from the area.

La Llorona Park in Las Cruces (Photo: Courtesy)

The closure follows a similar warning upriver in Las Cruces, where the City closed La Llorona Park because of rising Rio Grande water levels following recent rain and runoff.

Las Cruces Parks and Recreation and City Park Rangers warned that conditions in and around La Llorona Park could be dangerous or life-threatening. The park was expected to remain closed through Wednesday, Sept. 30, with conditions to be assessed before it reopens.

Water reaches roads near Sunland Park and El Paso

Emergency crews have also been monitoring Rio Grande overflow farther south.

The Sunland Park Fire Department reported crews at Racetrack Drive near the river levee Tuesday afternoon and requested assistance from the El Paso Fire Department to check conditions near Paisano Drive and McNutt Road.

At 2:15 p.m., Sunland Park Fire reported that water remained within the overflow area and that the levee was functioning as intended. At that point, officials reported no immediate threat to life or property.

Conditions nevertheless affected nearby roads as water continued to rise.

Photos taken near McNutt Road (Courtesy Sunland Park Fire Department)

Sunland Park Fire later reported that river overflow had reached Paisano Drive near McNutt Road. The bridge connecting McNutt Road to Paisano Drive in El Paso was closed, and motorists were told to find an alternate route. Officials also warned that northbound access would be closing.

Rising Rio Grande affecting communities along the corridor

The incidents place two riverside recreation areas — La Llorona Park in Las Cruces and River Levee Park and Trail in Sunland Park — under restrictions because of high water along the Rio Grande.

Photos near River Levee Park (Courtesy Sunland Park Police Department)

Officials in both communities are asking residents to stay away from flooded areas and not attempt to enter flooded trails or approach the river.

The Sunland Park Police Department reminded residents to call 911 in an emergency.