Historic Rain Event Destroys PVARC Headquarters

On Saturday, October 19th, a high rain event was forecast for Southeastern New Mexico. A Skywarn Net was initiated and around 7:00 PM. Local rainfall rates exceeded 2.5" per hour and were sustained at those rates for several hours resulting in massive flooding across the region. Adding to the destruction was a breech of a levee west of town and the overflowing of rivers.

The Pecos Valley Amateur Radio Club headquarters is located in the Roswell Adult Recreation Center which is located in close proximity to the Spring River. When the river overflowed its banks, a raging current rose rapidly and did massive destruction to properties near the river including the adult center and radio club room.

On Monday, PVARC President Garry Blosser and fellow member Dan Musgrave were allowed temporary access into the building under city official escort. Dan took pictures of the destruction which evidenced a high water mark of 5 feet. "Once the building is deemed safe for entry," said Blosser, "we'll begin the arduous task of cleanup and further assessment of our radio equipment." Blosser has asked for help from club members and other hams from across the region once entry is allowed.