...Observed flooding changed to Minor severity and increased in duration for the following rivers in New Mexico... Rio Chama Below Chamita affecting Rio Arriba County. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring. * WHERE...Rio Chama below Chamita. * WHEN...Until Saturday afternoon. * IMPACTS...At 6.0 feet, Properties in the flood plain along the Rio Chama and near the junction of the Rio Ojo Caliente will see water in their yards. Impacts can include bank erosion and damage to wells and septic tanks. These impacts will increase in severity at higher river levels. At 8.0 feet, Properties along the Rio Chama and southern reach of the Rio Ojo Caliente are flooded. Private roadways within several hundred yards of the river are impassable. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 7:00 AM MDT Friday the stage was 6.7 feet. - Bankfull stage is 5.5 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 7:00 AM MDT Friday was 8.0 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to fall below flood stage late this morning and continue falling to 4.2 feet early Wednesday morning. - Flood stage is 6.0 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 6.7 feet on 07/21/2009. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov/abq. The next statement will be issued this evening at 715 PM MDT.