The Albuquerque Journal
RIO RANCHO, N.M. — With warmer weather and snowmelt runoff on the way, Rio Rancho Fire Rescue is warning trekkers about rising water in rivers and streams in the higher elevations.
“This fast-moving water can be very dangerous and sweep people off their feet and down the river,” Paul Bearce, Battalion Chief of EMS for Rio Rancho Fire Rescue, said in a news release. “Extreme caution is advised during the high runoff season.”
The cautionary advice comes after a family stranded by the high, fast-moving waters of the Jemez River was rescued in Sandoval County late Friday.
Just before 9 p.m., county dispatchers received a call about several people unable to cross the river because of the conditions, according to the news release.
La Cueva Volunteer Fire Department and Sandoval County Fire Department personnel and Jemez Pueblo paramedics responded to the scene, along with State Police and the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office.
The responders found a family of four — an adult and three children — by the river.
“They had been hiking for several hours and were unable to cross the river due to high water,” according to the news release. “Due to darkness, the possibility of retracing their steps was difficult.”
Rio Rancho Fire Rescue’s Swift Water Team was activated to assist, and technicians were able to set up a rope system and ferry all the family members to safety, the news release said. The family members were warmed-up and evaluated. They were uninjured.
Copyright 2012 Albuquerque Journal