IMTM...I would check out all the resources for Rio Rancho and southern Sandoval County watershed and arroyo information, including established flood zones. You might start here:
http://www.sscafca.org/
Check out the maps and library at that site. In the FAQ section, there is a list of flood plain managers for various jurisdictions, including the city of Rio Rancho.
So...it would be good to get a map of the arroyo network. You want to make sure to check out an area of interest and make sure no one has filled in arroyos because water will finds its natural path during flash floods. You might want to check out master plans for development, since construction can change flood potential and create new areas that were considered "safe."