Mandatory evacuation order issued for low-lying, flood-prone areas in river corridors

Update: Archuleta School District schools will be closed on Friday, Oct. 23.

Update: County Road 500 is closed due to being impassable from mile marker 12 to Colo. 151.

Update: An emergency road closure is in place for Hermosa Street and San Juan Street in Pagosa Springs.

Update: North Pagosa Boulevard from approximately mile marker 3.5 (Gate 5) to the top of the split, past Coronado Cirle on the north side, is closed until further notice.

Original: The Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Pagosa Springs are issuing a public announcement regarding a mandatory evacuation.

All low-lying and flood prone areas along the San Juan, Rio Blanco, Navajo and Piedra rivers are in evacuation order notice. Public safety and the protection of life remain our primary objectives as critical weather conditions continue to impact flooding behavior.

Sandbags are available at the Archuleta County Building at 1122 U.S. 84 and the TARA Community Center at 333 Milton Lane, Arboles.

Anyone evacuated should go to the Archuleta County Department of Human Services, 550 Hot Springs Blvd., Unit A. For more evacuation information, see https://sheriff.archuletacounty.gov/divisions/emergency-operations/evacuation-center/.

Active evacuation order zones are along:
• San Juan River
• Rio Blanco River
• Navajo River
• Piedra River

Safety guidelines:

• Drive with caution: Expect increased emergency vehicle traffic on major and minor access roads. Please be advised that river levels are rising, and potential flooding is expected in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Please expect localized flooding, submerged riverbanks, and unsafe swift-water conditions. Avoid walking, playing, or camping near the riverbanks. Never drive through flooded roads. Secure low-lying property and move equipment or outdoor items to higher ground if necessary. Keep pets away from rising water.
• Stay informed: Conditions can change rapidly. Continue to Follow the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page or call the public call center.

Information and resources:
For continued updates on the flooding event and emergency announcements:
• Incident Call Center: (970) 508-9928
• Official web and social media updates: Archuleta County Sheriff's Office official Facebook
• Register with Nixle for citizen alerts and warnings at https://www.archuletacounty.gov/services/citizens-alert-nixle/.