Following significant flooding throughout Pagosa Springs, water levels along the San Juan River are beginning to decline. The river peaked at just over 15 feet at the Pagosa Springs gauge around 5:30 a.m. Friday and has been steadily receding.
While declining water levels are an encouraging development, hazardous conditions remain throughout the community. The Town of Pagosa Springs continues working with emergency response partners to monitor conditions, protect public safety, and prepare for recovery.
Several roads and public areas remain closed due to flooding and infrastructure concerns:
Residents and visitors are strongly urged to stay away from the river, flooded areas, and closed roads and trails. Floodwaters are moving swiftly and may contain untreated sewage, creating serious health and safety risks.
Barricades are in place to protect the public and emergency responders. Please do not drive, walk, or attempt to travel around them. Turn Around, Don't Drown.
Archuleta County's Nixle emergency alert system is the primary source for current evacuation orders, emergency instructions, and public safety notifications.
Mandatory evacuations have been issued for designated flood-affected areas. Residents should continue following all official evacuation instructions and monitor Nixle for any changes to evacuation orders.
To register for Nixle emergency alerts, text 81147 to 888777.
For updated state highway conditions and road closures, visit COtrip.org.
Town Police, Public Works, Parks and utility crews have been working throughout the flooding event, including overnight operations. Following extensive response efforts yesterday and overnight, crews are rotating to allow personnel to rest while fresh teams continue monitoring road and trail barricades, river conditions and critical infrastructure. Wastewater utility crews are also monitoring river levels and pump operations before resuming repairs to damaged infrastructure when conditions are safe.
All Town utility systems remain operational; however, flooding has caused damage to portions of the wastewater infrastructure. A sewer line attached to the 1st Street bridge sustained damage, and a temporary bypass is now operational. Floodwaters also inundated three wastewater lift stations and one pump station, resulting in wastewater spills. These incidents have been reported to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Archuleta County Health Department.
Residents should avoid contact with floodwaters due to possible sewage contamination and other hazards.
Town Hall, the Community Center and the Visitor Center will remain closed through the weekend.
The Visitor Center sustained water damage during the flooding, but the town is working toward reopening the facility Monday, Oct. 26, pending conditions and necessary assessments.
Essential town operations and emergency response efforts will continue throughout the weekend.
As water levels continue to decline, town staff will begin assessing damage to buildings, facilities, roads and other public infrastructure as conditions allow.
Although river levels are receding, the ground remains saturated. Additional significant rainfall could result in renewed flooding, and residents are encouraged to remain alert.
State and federal resources are also mobilizing to assist with recovery efforts. Additional information about available assistance will be shared as it becomes available.
The town appreciates the dedication of emergency responders, town employees, regional partners and community members throughout this flooding event.
For town updates, visit pagosasprings.co.gov. For emergency alerts, text 81147 to 888777 or register at local.nixle.com/register.
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