San Juan River in Colorado set to crest at record 19.7 feet; mass evacuations ordered
Pagosa Springs faces potentially catastrophic flooding as the river approaches levels unseen since 1911, with emergency officials warning responders may be unable to reach stranded residents.
What to know
- The San Juan River in Pagosa Springs is forecast to crest at approximately 19.7 feet—exceeding the historic 1911 record of 17.8 feet by roughly 2 feet and the floods from just 10 days ago by more than 4 feet.
- Mandatory evacuations are in effect for low-lying areas across multiple counties in southwest Colorado, with emergency officials warning that first responders may be unable to reach stranded residents once floodwaters rise.
- The forecast represents a 'potentially catastrophic' flood event with 'extensive damage' expected, occurring during ongoing recovery from last week's flooding that damaged over 500 homes and 150 miles of road.
“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.”
Archuleta County Sheriff's Office, County emergency management · Denver Post ↗
Vicki Shaffer Archuleta County Sheriff's Office spokespersonArchuleta County Sheriff's Office County emergency management authorityNational Weather Service Federal weather and flood forecasting agencyConejos County Sheriff's Office County emergency management authority
How it unfolded 3 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump articlesposts
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National Weather Service updates forecast to 19.71-foot crest, exceeding 1911 record
The San Juan River's expected peak is revised to 19.71 feet—more than 4 feet higher than last week's floods and approximately 2 feet higher than the historic October 1911 flood of 17.8 feet. Officials describe the event as 'potentially catastrophic' with 'extensive damage expected.'
“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.”
— Archuleta County Sheriff's Office -
first by Denver Post, 6d ago
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Oh boy. San Juan River in Pagosa Springs is already at a higher level than last month's flood, with a projected peak of 22.11 feet. That's over *4 feet* higher than the highest crest on record (October 1911). #COwx
2 more of the top 3 · 3 posts in this stretch
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Message from the Town of Pagosa Springs November 01, 2026 URGENT FLOOD WARNING: MANDATORY EVACUATIONS- LEAVE NOW The Town of Pagosa Springs is urging residents in designated evacuation areas to leave immediately as updated forecasts indicate the San Juan River could reach potentially historic flood levels tonight. According to Archuleta County's…
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Some tentative good news for Pagosa Springs: the San Juan River crested last night at a height of 16.81 feet, and it is forecast to recede below flood stage tonight. 16.81' = below much more dire forecasts. Still: serious flooding is ongoing across SW CO this morning. #COwx
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U.S. Route 160 set to close inbound at 4 p.m. as evacuation deadline approaches
Road closure announced as evacuation orders take effect for residents in flood-prone areas. The San Juan River forecast shows potential crest near 19.38 feet.
“The San Juan River could crest at 19.38' tonight, nearly 5' above last week's flood and 2' above the 1911 flood.”
— granttosterud.bsky.social, Bluesky user · source -
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🚨 EVACUATE NOW IN PAGOSA SPRINGS 🚨 The San Juan River could crest at 19.38' tonight, nearly 5' above last week's flood and 2' above the 1911 flood. Evacuate low-lying areas along the San Juan, Rio Blanco, Navajo, and Piedra Rivers. US 160 closes inbound at 4 pm. #COwx
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Archuleta County issues mandatory evacuation orders for low-lying areas
Officials warn residents in low-lying areas along the Rio Blanco, San Juan, Navajo and Piedra rivers to evacuate immediately as the San Juan River rises after Friday rainfall. Authorities say the expected crest would rank among the highest ever recorded, potentially reaching 16.9 feet.
“This flood, they're saying it's going to reach historic levels. There was a flood in 1911 that reached 17.8 feet. This flood for this week is expected to reach 16.9 feet.”
— Vicki Shaffer, Archuleta County Sheriff's Office spokesperson -
first by Hindustan Times, 7d ago
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background
Heavy flooding washes out roads across Archuleta County — Severe flooding hit southwest Colorado, damaging more than 500 homes and 150 miles of road in Archuleta County and impacting 11 other counties across the state.