Iconic New Mexico Rock Formations Collapse Due to Storms and Flooding
Two renowned rock formations in northwestern New Mexico, the Alien Throne (Tsé Bináká Níyol) and the King of Wings, have collapsed within weeks of each other. These natural landmarks, located near the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness, succumbed to the forces of nature, specifically heavy rains and erosion. Tour guide Kialo Winters of Navajo Tours USA discovered the collapse of the Alien Throne on October 30, noting that poor road conditions had prevented earlier visits. The King of Wings' demise was reported earlier in October through social media. The southwestern U.S. has experienced significant storm activity recently, with substantial rainfall leading to widespread flooding and erosion across New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. Experts estimate that over 20 trillion gallons of rain fell across the Four Corners states and Nevada in late October and early November, contributing to the saturation of soil and the erosion of the landscape.
