The Upper San Juan Watershed Enhancement Partnership (WEP) is pleased to share that the Pagosa Gateway River Project is nearing completion after successfully navigating both planned construction and the unexpected challenges of the October 2025 flood event.
Spanning approximately 2 miles along the San Juan River from Day Lumber to the Every Day gas station in Pagosa Springs, the Pagosa Gateway River Project was designed to improve channel stability, enhance aquatic and riparian habitat, increase public safety, support recreation, and promote the long-term health of the river corridor.
The WEP is a collaborative, community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to implement projects that benefit watershed function and health, river-related recreation and irrigated agriculture throughout the Upper San Juan River Basin. The gateway project is a strong example of that mission in action.
In October 2025, during early construction, the San Juan River experienced significant flooding, with flows peaking twice above 8,000 cubic feet per second. The event dramatically reshaped portions of the river corridor, carving new channels, depositing large cobble bars, and carrying downstream debris ranging from trees to a fully intact cabin. Several banks within the project reach were heavily eroded or lost entirely.
Despite the intensity of the flood, much of the initial restoration work held strong, demonstrating the effectiveness of science-based, process-driven design.
In response, the WEP and project partners moved quickly to reassess site conditions, adapt designs where necessary and prioritize areas posing safety risks or threats to nearby infrastructure. This rapid coordinated response allowed the project to stay on track while incorporating valuable real-world insights from the flood event.
In-stream construction wrapped up in January, marking a major milestone in the project. This month, final revegetation efforts were completed with the installation of container plants and extensive community-supported planting along the project corridor.
A highlight of this final phase was the involvement of Mat Wolford’s seventh-grade beautification class, whose students volunteered their time to plant and cage vegetation along the river. This effort was part of a broader community collaboration coordinated by the Archuleta School District, the Upper San Juan WEP, San Juan Mountains Association and the Town of Pagosa Springs.
These planting efforts play a critical role in river restoration. Native vegetation helps stabilize streambanks, reduce erosion, provide shade that regulates water temperature, and create essential habitat for fish and wildlife.
Over time, these plants will strengthen the resilience of the river corridor and enhance the ecological and recreational value of this important stretch of the San Juan River.
“The gateway project represents what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared vision for river health,” said Danyelle Leentjes, WEP coordinator. “From adapting to a major flood event to engaging local students in hands-on restoration, this project reflects both the challenges and the strength of collaborative watershed work.”
The benefits of the project will continue to be monitored through 2030, but the project is now largely complete, marking a significant investment in the long-term health, safety and recreational enjoyment of the San Juan River through Pagosa Springs.
For more information on the Upper San Juan WEP, please visit uppersanjuanwep.com.
>