From the Town of Pagosa Springs, 7:22am, today, October 14:
The Pagosa Springs Police Department is issuing an urgent flood update due to rising river levels and significant debris impacting critical infrastructure in the area.
Earlier today, floodwaters and debris caused a failure in the sewer lines beneath the First Street Bridge on US Highway 160. As a result, US Highway 160 is CLOSED from the intersection of US Highway 160 and US Highway 84 through to Hot Springs Boulevard.
Emergency crews are on scene assessing the extent of the damage. The closure will remain in place until further notice. Motorists are urged to use alternate routes and avoid the area for their safety and to allow emergency services to operate without obstruction.
In addition:
All parks remain closed due to river surge and ongoing flooding.
A mandatory evacuation order remains in effect for affected areas. Residents in evacuation zones should not attempt to return until officially notified. The Pagosa Springs Police Department will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
Stay Informed
Residents are urged to:
Follow all evacuation and safety notices
Avoid flooded areas and roadways.
Sign up for NIXLE alerts at https://local.nixle.com/register/
This is a developing situation. Please stay alert, stay safe, and follow guidance from emergency personnel.
From Archuleta County Emergency Management, 5:59am, today, October 14.
Advisory: Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management 1st Street bridge is closed and Highway 160 over Wolf Creek Pass
The Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management is advising that Wolf Creek Pass and 1st Street bridge is closed due to the water level of the San Juan River and reparation work of the bridge. Traffic will be routed around through Hot Springs Blvd, County Road 119, and Highway 84. Follow Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for regular updates.
From Archuleta County Emergency Management, 6:16pm, yesterday, October 13.
Alert: Mandatory Evacuations are in place for homes along the San Juan and Blanco Rivers
Archuleta County Emergency Management is issuing a mandatory evacuation notice for:
- Homes in the south side San Juan River Village
- County Road 335-Rainbow Rd.
- Morning Rain Ct.,
- Evening Rain Ct.,
- County Road 337/County Road 339-Last Resort RV Park
- Properties on County Road 339 nearest to the Blanco River
- County Road 500-Estates Cir.
Evacuation Center is set up at the Pagosa Springs Community Center.
Instructions:
All low-lying areas near San Juan and Blanco rivers are in Mandatory Evacuation status.
From the Town of Pagosa Springs, 7:44pm, yesterday, October 13:
Due to rapidly rising water levels and the projected risk of major flooding, the Pagosa Springs Police Department has issued a mandatory evacuation order for all residents living along Hermosa Street and San Juan Street.
Residents in these areas are required to evacuate immediately and seek alternative shelter. The peak flooding stage is expected to occur around 12:00am (midnight) and conditions may become life-threatening.
Closures
All public parks in the downtown area are now CLOSED until further notice. Do not enter closed parks or flood-prone zones under any circumstances.
Emergency services are currently at full capacity responding to weather-related incidents. We request voluntary cooperation to ensure safety and reduce strain on public safety resources.
The Town of Pagosa Springs is working with Archuleta County Emergency Management to coordinate shelter and response operations. Updates will be provided via official town channels and local media.
For evacuation assistance or to report an emergency, call 911.
Residents are urged to:
- Remain vigilant and avoid flooded areas and roadways.
- Sign up for NIXLE alerts at https://local.nixle.com/register/
This is a developing situation. Please stay alert, stay safe, and follow guidance from emergency personnel.
From Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District, 6:42am, today, October 14:
Don’t think this comes as a shock to anyone, but we are not in a drought stage. The San Juan river is at a very high stage. Last Wednesday, the call on Fourmile Creek was lifted. PAWSD got water for about two days but had to turn off the diversion because the high flows were pushing to many rocks and debris into the diversion. We will open the diversion as the flows recede. The San Juan diversion has also been closed.
The West Fork diversion is open but clogs daily, requiring us to send someone out to clean it.
Thus far, PAWSD has weathered the rains and flood well. We did have a water line that runs under the river just upstream of the 1st Street bridge wash out. We have isolated that line and currently we believe no one is out of water. Repairs to the line will occur once the flows recede.
