Update: The forecasted peak is now 21.84 feet. U.S. 160 will now be closing at 2 p.m.
Original: The updated forecast calls for flooding above historic levels. The San Juan River could crest as high as 19.71 feet around 11 p.m. tonight.
If you are in an evacuation zone, you must leave now. This includes all low-lying areas along the San Juan, Rio Blanco, Navajo and Piedra rivers.
Do not wait for the water to rise. Do not wait for another warning. Leave now.
Our ability to respond during the worst of this storm will be extremely limited. Helicopters will be grounded, and first responders may not be able to reach people in danger until the storm passes and conditions improve.
We are pre-positioning resources in high-risk areas so teams can respond as quickly as conditions allow. We are also bringing in additional assistance, including:
These resources are expected to arrive today and will be ready to respond as conditions allow.
U.S. 160 will be closed to all traffic coming into Pagosa Springs at 4 p.m. today to reduce traffic within town. Evacuation from town will be allowed. The specific location of those closures will be provided later today.
We are making plans and bringing in additional help, but the most important thing you can do right now is get yourself and your family to safety.
To put the forecast into perspective, during the devastating 1911 flood that wiped out most of what existed as the town of Pagosa at that time, the San Juan River crested at approximately 17.8 feet. The current forecast calls for the river to rise nearly 2 feet above that historic level.
This is a potentially catastrophic flood event. Extensive damage is expected.
If you are in an evacuation area, have medical needs, rely on electrically powered medical equipment or feel unsafe for any reason, please move to a safe location now.
Do not put your life or the lives of first responders at risk by waiting too long.
Please take this warning seriously. Leave now.
Residents who need a safe place to go may seek shelter at the following location:
Open Door Church
110 Trinity Lane
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Residents evacuating with animals may use the following resources:
Small Animals: Humane Society, 465 Cloman Blvd., Pagosa Springs.
Large Animals: Archuleta County Fairgrounds, 344 Highway 84, Pagosa Springs.
Please make arrangements for animals as early as possible, if safe to do so. Do not delay your own evacuation.
Emergencies: Call 911
If you are in immediate danger or have a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Non-Emergency Evacuation Assistance: 970-731-2160
Residents needing assistance evacuating who are not in immediate danger should contact non-emergency dispatch. Road conditions are not expected to improve over the next few days, so please do not delay evacuation.
Archuleta County Incident Call Center: 970-508-9928
For general questions and information. Staffed daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
If you are in an evacuation area, have medical needs, rely on electrically powered medical equipment, or feel unsafe, move to a safe location immediately.
Take essential medications, identification, important documents, and emergency supplies if they are readily available. Do not delay your departure to gather belongings.
The Town of Pagosa Springs continues to coordinate closely with Archuleta County, emergency management officials, and response partners as conditions evolve.
This is a serious and potentially catastrophic flood event. Please follow all evacuation orders and emergency instructions. Do not return to evacuated areas until officials announce it is safe to do so.
For ongoing updates, emergency information, and community resources, visit:
https://www.pagosasprings.co.
For emergency alerts, text 81147 to 888777 or register at local.nixle.com/register.
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