Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain are impacting Southwest Colorado and the entire San Juan National Forest. Widespread flooding is damaging roadways, clogging culverts and making some forest roads dangerous or impassable.
The San Juan National Forest recommends public avoid traveling on unimproved roads or crossing creeks, which are expected to rise in the coming hours and days. Visitors should also plan ahead and be prepared in case you get stuck. Rescue may be hours or days away.
Forest Service personnel are assessing conditions and closures may be implemented if conditions warrant. Several Forest roads are closed or high-clearance 4WD only following the September rain events and even last October's severe storms. Find up-to-date road statuses on our website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/sanjuan/conditions.
Conditions are changing rapidly, and the best advice we have for visitors is to postpone any travels that take you into the backcountry, whether for Second Rifle season, firewood collection, or other recreation activities.
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