Bernalillo County showcases progress on Tejares Creek Watershed Restoration amid unprecedented storm event

In the heart of Tijeras, New Mexico, a community grapples with the aftermath of an unprecedented storm that recently swept through the region. At the Los Vecinos Community Center, local officials gathered to discuss the impact of the storm and the ongoing Tijeras Creek Watershed Restoration Project, which aims to restore the natural flow of the creek and enhance flood management.

Commissioner Olivas opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of the project in light of increasingly severe weather events. "We are seeing these increasingly extreme events," he noted, highlighting the need for infrastructure that can protect both lives and property while allowing for community development. Despite the project being only partially completed, Olivas expressed confidence that it played a crucial role in mitigating potential damage during the storm.

Colleen Bronson, the stormwater compliance program lead for Bernalillo County, elaborated on the project's goals. The Tijeras Creek, she explained, has become incised—deeper and narrower—over time, which increases flood velocities. The restoration efforts aim to reverse this trend by spreading out the water flow, allowing it to infiltrate the ground rather than rushing through the arroyo like a fire hose. Bronson reported that while the project was about 80 to 90% complete when the storm hit, the features installed thus far effectively reduced erosion and helped manage the floodwaters.

The storm, described as a 200 to 500-year rain event, unleashed 2.5 to 3 inches of rain in just half an hour, overwhelming the area. Bronson noted that climate scientists predict such high-intensity storms may become more frequent due to climate change. The rainfall primarily fell north of the project area, funneling into the Arroyo San Antonio and Tijeras Creek, which then surged toward the restoration site.

As the floodwaters rose, gauges recorded a dramatic increase in stream flow, with levels rising over nine feet in just 15 minutes. This rapid influx of water brought debris and heightened the urgency of the restoration efforts. Despite the challenges posed by the storm, Bronson affirmed that the restoration work completed so far had functioned as intended, helping to slow down the water and dissipate its energy.

The meeting underscored the community's resilience and the critical nature of the Tijeras Creek project. As officials continue to analyze the storm's impact, the focus remains on preparing for future weather events and ensuring that the infrastructure evolves to meet the challenges of a changing climate. The restoration of Tijeras Creek stands as a testament to the community's commitment to safeguarding both its environment and its residents.