Town issues minor flooding advisory for San Juan River

Residents and visitors in low-lying areas along the San Juan River in and around Pagosa Springs are advised to use caution due to the potential for minor flooding and rising river levels.

This is a precautionary, nonemergency advisory. No immediate emergency action is being requested at this time. Conditions will change, so residents are encouraged to remain alert and take simple precautions to protect people and property.

Safety precautions:

• Monitor river levels and local weather conditions.
• Avoid walking, playing or recreating near riverbanks where water levels may rise.
• Move vehicles, equipment and valuables away from low-lying areas that could be affected by rising water.
• Keep children and pets away from the river’s edge.
• Never walk or drive through flooded roads or moving water.
• Stay informed through official Town of Pagosa Springs, Archuleta County and National Weather Service updates.

As a precaution, the Town and Archuleta County are asking the public to stay out of the San Juan River when water levels reach or exceed 9.48 feet, the designated action stage. High river levels and swift-moving water can create dangerous conditions for recreational users and emergency responders. River rescues also place additional demands on emergency personnel when resources may already be stretched thin due to storm-related conditions.

River access and park closures

If the San Juan River reaches the 9.48-foot action stage, the following town parks and recreational areas will be closed:

• Hike and bike trails along the San Juan River
• Town Park
• Mary Fisher Park
• Centennial Park
• River Center Park
• Cotton Hole Park
• Boat ramps at San Juan River Park and Yamaguchi Park

Residents and visitors are asked to respect all posted closures and avoid entering flooded areas or approaching the river during elevated water conditions.

Potential evacuation notices

Depending on river conditions and property locations, additional precautionary measures may be implemented:

• 9.48 feet (Action Stage): Pre-evacuation orders will begin for designated properties.
• 11.7 feet (Moderate Flood Stage): Mandatory evacuation orders will be issued for designated properties.

Sign up for emergency alerts

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through both the Town of Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County to stay informed about changing weather conditions, potential evacuations, road closures, and other public safety concerns.

• Town of Pagosa Springs – Notify Me: Text PagosaSprings to 38276 or visit co-pagosasprings.civicplus.com/portal?portalpage=notifications?tab=alerts to subscribe to Town notifications and updates.
• Archuleta County – Nixle Emergency Alerts: Text your ZIP code 81147 to 888777 or register online at local.nixle.com/register/ to receive emergency alerts from local public safety officials.

Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to remain alert, monitor official town and county communications, and be prepared to take action if evacuation notices are issued.

Please remain calm, exercise caution and share this notice with neighbors who may be affected.