For the first time since this disaster began, neither ground nor air teams performed any rescues today.
This is an important milestone in our response efforts, and we are hopeful that all residents in flood-affected areas have relocated to places of safety. However, we want to remind residents that some areas remain inaccessible by road and can only be reached by air. With National Guard air resources leaving tonight, that option will no longer be available through those resources. If you are still in an isolated area, please understand that our ability to reach you in an emergency will be extremely limited.
While rescue operations are winding down, our community still faces a long road to recovery.
Tonight, all remaining Colorado National Guard air resources will depart Archuleta County, followed by ground teams tomorrow. There simply aren't enough words to express our gratitude for everything these men and women have done for our community over the past two weeks. They have rescued people, pets, and livestock. They have delivered critical supplies to isolated residents, assisted with assessments, and helped us solve countless challenges along the way. They have worked long hours, faced difficult conditions, and answered every call for help with professionalism, compassion, and determination.
To every member of the Colorado National Guard who has been part of this response: Thank you.
Your presence has made a tremendous difference, not only in the lives of those you rescued and assisted, but throughout our entire community. We wish you safe travels home and hope you leave knowing just how much your service has meant to Archuleta County.
As rescue operations wind down, our focus continues to shift toward documenting the damage and identifying the resources our community will need to recover.
Damage assessments are a critical part of disaster response and recovery. Every property assessed helps tell the story of how this disaster has affected Archuleta County. The more complete that picture is, the better local, state, and federal officials can understand the extent of the damage, identify unmet needs, and determine what resources may be necessary to support recovery efforts.
It is important to understand that a damage assessment is NOT an application for disaster assistance. Assessments document the impacts of the disaster and help officials understand the community's needs. Residents may still need to apply separately for assistance if programs become available.
If your property was directly impacted by the recent flooding, we encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the Crisis Track Survivors Portal. This online reporting tool allows residents to report property damage and immediate unmet needs resulting from the flooding. Even if your property has already been assessed, reporting your damage and unmet needs can help provide a more complete understanding of the disaster's impact.
Report damage and unmet needs here:https://crisistrack.juvare.com/SurvivorPortal/index.html
Please remember: This portal is for reporting damage and needs. It is not an application for financial assistance.
If your household has been affected by the flooding, we encourage you to visit the Archuleta County Disaster Assistance Center. County staff and local organizations are available to help residents connect with recovery resources, identify available services, and understand the next steps in the recovery process.
Location: Wyndham Activity Center
538 Village Drive, Pagosa Springs
Dates: Thursday, November 5 – Wednesday, November 11
Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily
Whether you have experienced damage to your home, lost access to your property, or simply aren't sure where to begin, the Disaster Assistance Center is a good place to start.
The end of large-scale rescue operations does not mean the emergency is over, and it certainly does not mean our work is finished. Many residents are facing damaged homes, destroyed roads, disrupted utilities, and uncertainty about what comes next. Recovery will take time, patience, resources, and continued cooperation. Over the past two weeks, we have seen extraordinary examples of neighbors helping neighbors, responders going above and beyond, and organizations coming together for the good of our community.
Archuleta County is strong and resilient because of the people who call it home. We have faced tremendous challenges, and there are more ahead. But we will face them the same way we have faced this disaster - together.
Thank you for your continued patience, cooperation, and support as we move from response toward recovery.
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