In brief
On July 18 a storm washed rills into streams, causing hoodoo structures to collapse in several New Mexico towns. Local officials urged people to stay away from the unstable terrain while scientists assess how quickly the landscape changes. The event has disrupted tourism and highlighted desert geology’s fragility amid rising precipitation events.
On July 18, heavy rain turned dry washes into raging streams that knocked down thousands of feet tall hoodoos in New Mexico. The storms were part of a larger wet‑weather event that also flooded roads and disrupted travel across the southwestern United States.
Hoodoos are tall, narrow spires of sandstone that have leaned on their narrow shoulders for centuries. The sudden rainwater washed away the erosion‑prone edges that keep the spires upright, causing them to crumble and collapse into the surrounding landscape.
State agencies warned residents and visitors to stay away from the unstable terrain. Those in towns such as Taos were advised to avoid exposed formations in nearby National Forests and roadside parks while the damage was surveyed.
Scientists are studying the speed and magnitude of the erosion. The rapid reshaping of the region’s dramatic geology is drawing interest from geology students and climate researchers who want to understand how wetter conditions accelerate the breakdown of ancient sedimentary formations.
The new landscape has temporarily affected the local economy, which relies on hiking and sightseeing. Tour operators have halted many trips, and local businesses have seen a drop in visitors.
Climatic experts note that this collapse is a sign of the vulnerability of desert landscapes to heavy precipitation events. The incident follows a series of weather extremes earlier this summer, underscoring how climate change may increase the frequency of such storms.
Officials hope that continued monitoring will show whether the new, eroded terrain will settle into a more stable configuration. In the meantime, authorities will keep visitors away until the risk lessens.
