Capulin Volcano was long dormant when the Cunico Ranch was established in 1906 to the east of it and since then, the almost 1,000 acre ranch near the foot of Laughlin Peak in Colfax County has survived brushes with strong storms, blizzards and high winds, but on October 20, 2024 at about 9 pm a suspected tornado tore through the ranch destroying almost everything in its path.
No one was injured, as the caretaker Christina Ortiz, was in Raton at the time and returned to find rubble and debris strewn all around the compound. The original bunkhouse built before New Mexico was a state, was taken down along with outbuildings, water and propane tanks, the windmill, garage and trees uprooted. The barn was partially left intact and the house was damaged but was still standing. The fences were taken down and according to Ron Brashear, Springer Electric Cooperative’s Line Superintendent, four poles were taken out serving approximately 30 customers. Crews worked most of the day and all but the Cunico Ranch were back online by Monday night.
The track of the twister was thought to have started at the Moore Camp well, then headed south to near Laughlin Peak then back north through the Cunico Ranch and then continuing north crossing Highway 64 near the Big Chief Stone. Severe weather throughout northern New Mexico included on Sunday night included several bouts of hail, some quarter size, and several waves of thundershowers.
Storm totals for the multi-day event varied from fence line to fence line, but an average of 5 to seven inches reported were common with some reports of more than 8 inches.
Photos taken by Christina Ortiz
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