Town issues mandatory evacuation order

The Town of Pagosa Springs is issuing a MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDER EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY for residences and properties within the Town of Pagosa Springs located in areas threatened by potential flooding.

AREAS OF PRIMARY CONCERN

• San Juan River corridor.
• Low-lying areas susceptible to flooding.
• Properties adjacent to the San Juan River.
• Areas experiencing rising water, flooding, or potential isolation due to floodwater.

FLOODING FORECAST — SERIOUS PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERN
Current projections indicate that the San Juan River is expected to reach a height of nearly 17 feet.
This projected river level is approximately 2 feet higher than the flooding experienced last week.
These anticipated conditions present a significant concern for properties along the San Juan River corridor and surrounding low-lying areas.
Residents must not wait for the river to reach its projected height before evacuating. Evacuate immediately.

ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE
Effective 6:00 AM on November 1, 2026, San Juan Street and Hermosa Street will be closed to through traffic.
Additionally, further road closures within downtown Pagosa Springs and along U.S. Highway 160 may become necessary depending on river levels, flooding conditions, and public safety concerns.

• Anticipate changing traffic conditions and possible additional road closures.
• Plan alternate routes and allow additional travel time.
• Complete necessary travel and evacuation before conditions deteriorate.
• Follow posted detours and instructions from law enforcement and emergency personnel.
• Never drive around barricades or enter closed roadways.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
All residents, occupants, and visitors within the affected areas are directed to evacuate immediately.

1. Leave your residence and move to higher ground outside the threatened area.
2. Do not wait for rising water or additional warnings before evacuating.
3. Do not walk, drive, or attempt to cross flooded roadways.
4. Assist family members, neighbors, elderly individuals, and anyone requiring evacuation assistance, if safe to do so.
5. Take essential medications, identification, important documents, and emergency supplies.
6. Follow directions from law enforcement, fire personnel, and emergency management officials.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Floodwaters can rise rapidly and create dangerous conditions with little warning. Roads, bridges, and access routes may become impassable.
DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED AREA UNTIL OFFICIALS HAVE ISSUED AN ALL-CLEAR NOTICE.
Residents requiring evacuation assistance should contact 911 if they are in immediate danger.
OFFICIAL NOTICE
This mandatory evacuation order is being issued in the interest of protecting lives and public safety.
Residents are urged to take this order seriously and evacuate immediately.

TOWN OF PAGOSA SPRINGS PUBLIC SAFETY MANDATORY EVACUATION — EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
PROJECTED RIVER HEIGHT: NEARLY 17 FEET
SAN JUAN STREET & HERMOSA STREET ROAD CLOSURES — NOVEMBER 1, 2026, AT 6:00 AM
ADDITIONAL DOWNTOWN AND HIGHWAY 160 CLOSURES MAY BE NECESSARY.
Further updates will be provided through official Town of Pagosa Springs communication channels.