By Jon Johnson/Gila Herald
jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com
GREENLEE AND GRAHAM COUNTIES — Severe weather across eastern Arizona pushed local waterways past normal levels, but updated forecasts show that flooding across Greenlee and Graham counties is far less severe than initially anticipated.
In Greenlee County, Sheriff Eric Ellison shared footage showing significant water flow across the region. While the Gila River typically runs about a foot deep during monsoon season, levels surged to roughly 16 feet. Rushing waters knocked approximately 40 telephone poles into a culvert, while an overflowing wash forced authorities to temporarily close U.S. Highway 70.
“We have problems in Duncan every year with the water, especially in this area, but this year it’s a lot worse,” Sheriff Ellison said.
In addition to high water, a hillside embankment collapsed along U.S. 70 in Duncan, creating a temporary landslide that blocked the roadway. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) responded quickly, clearing the mud and debris before reopening the highway to traffic.
Despite the initial surge, updated forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicate the Gila River was expected to crest at 19.4 feet—substantially lower than the previously projected 23.6 feet. Because of the lower crest, officials in Clifton did not need to close the local flood gates.
Downstream in Graham County, flooding impacts remained minimal. Bryce/Eden Road near the Eden Bridge saw water spill over the roadway, but large vehicles still passed safely through the area. Local farmers expressed relief at the lower water levels, noting surrounding farmland remained secure despite concerns over potential burn debris from the previous Bryce Fire.
In Safford, city street crews patrolled the area early Wednesday morning to check municipal drainage infrastructure and reported no major concerns.
While the elevated river levels brought back memories of historic flood events—such as Tropical Storm Octave in October 1983, which devastated Clifton with massive discharge rates—emergency managers across both counties report that current conditions remain stable and under control. The National Weather Service reports the area should experience a drying pattern over the next few days.
