Moderate Risk New Mexico  ·  Wildfire / Flash Flooding

Sandoval County NM

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

5/ 10
Threat Score
Population
145
Area
3,714
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Wildfire / Flash Flooding
FEMA Disasters
5
federally declared

Sandoval County north of Albuquerque faces serious wildfire and flash flooding risk. The 2022 Calf Canyon-Hermits Peak Fire — the largest in New Mexico history — burned over 340000 acres destroying hundreds of homes and forcing massive evacuations from communities north of the county. The Rio Grande creates flooding risk. Kirtland Air Force Base at the county border creates military emergency planning considerations. Los Alamos National Laboratory is just north creating nuclear research emergency planning requirements.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
  • Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
  • Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
  • Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 5 / 10    Moderate Risk
Primary Hazard Wildfire / Flash Flooding
Secondary Hazard Earthquake
FEMA Flood Zone Moderate
Federally Declared Disasters 5
Last Major Event 2022 Calf Canyon Hermits Peak Fire
Event Frequency Annual

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (505) 867-7507
Emergency Shelters 6 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-25 NM-528 NM-44 NM-165

// County Profile

County Sandoval County NM
State New Mexico (NM)
Population 145
Area 3,714 sq miles
FEMA Region Moderate

// Major Cities

Rio Rancho NM

// Cities in This County

// Other New Mexico Counties