I think there is a couple of lessons there...Camp on higher ground !!!!!
But also, no matter how many times your have ridden through ANY desert, know that any and ALL trails change a lot with rain in the desert. Ride with your heads up and eyes down trail, but know that sharp edges often aren't visible from above. I have seen trails I have ridden literally hundreds of times out in Ocotillo Wells and after small storms had 3 and 4 ft. drop offs that were not there weeks earlier...big bikes do not seem to like medium speed sudden drops.