Pagosa Springs Flooding: Mandatory Evacuations as San Juan River Nears Historic Crest
Mandatory evacuation orders are in place in southwest Colorado as flooding on the San Juan River at Pagosa Springs is forecast to exceed historic levels.
Officials in southwest Colorado have issued mandatory evacuation orders as flooding in the Pagosa Springs area is forecast to rise above historic levels. Archuleta County and the Town of South Fork have both ordered residents in affected zones to leave, and the National Weather Service has a flood warning in effect through Monday evening. The flooding comes as storms bring another round of rising water to the region, according to Colorado Public Radio.
Forecast crest tops 1911 flood
Archuleta County officials said the river is rising faster than first expected and may crest higher than earlier forecasts, potentially as early as 6 p.m. Sunday. An earlier forecast put the San Juan River at Pagosa Springs cresting near 19.71 feet around 11 p.m. Sunday. The flood of 1911, which wiped out most of what was then the town of Pagosa, crested at about 17.8 feet, so the current forecast sits nearly two feet higher.
The National Weather Service warning carries a "Particularly Dangerous Situation" tag. The emergency message said such warnings are not issued lightly and that dangerous, impactful flooding is likely.
Who must leave and where to go
Officials said anyone in an evacuation zone must leave now, including all low-lying areas along the San Juan, Rio Blanco, Navajo and Piedra rivers. Residents were told not to wait for the water to rise or for another warning. People with medical needs, those who rely on electrically powered medical equipment, or anyone who feels unsafe should move to a safe location immediately.
The American Red Cross has opened evacuation shelters in several locations across southwest Colorado. Open Door Church, at 110 Trinity Lane in Pagosa Springs, is serving as an evacuation shelter. Small animals can be taken to the Humane Society at 463 Cloman Boulevard, and large animals to the Archuleta County Fairgrounds at 344 Highway 84.
Limited response during the storm
Officials warned that emergency response during the worst of the 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. Crews are pre-positioning resources in high-risk areas so they can respond as quickly as conditions allow.
Members of South Metro Fire Rescue and the Northern Colorado Water Rescue Teams were deployed to the area on Sunday. A South Metro Fire official told team members before deployment that the situation could reach levels not seen since 1911, and that swiftwater work is among the most dangerous and unpredictable disciplines the teams handle.
Traffic restrictions and what next
Officials said Pagosa Springs would close to incoming traffic at 2 p.m. Sunday. Residents and visitors may still leave, but entry into the area, including re-entry by residents, will not be allowed. Emergency contacts include 911 for emergencies, 970-731-2160 for evacuation assistance, and 970-508-9928 for the county incident call center, which operates from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
A separate report from 9News described evacuees being forced out again by a new storm before recovery could begin in Colorado. Residents should follow instructions from county and town officials, as conditions may change quickly. The full extent of damage has not yet been reported.
What we know so far: mandatory evacuations are in force in Archuleta County and South Fork, the San Juan River is forecast to crest above the 1911 flood level, and emergency crews can only respond once conditions allow.
