Local News

Published October 22, 2026 6:16pm

The Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office issued mandatory evacuations for low lying and flood prone areas along the San Juan, Rio Blanco, Navajo and Piedra rivers on Thursday afternoon ahead of extreme flooding .

NOAA forecasters expect the San Juan River at Pagosa Springs to rise to 13.7 feet, over a foot above major flood stage, around 4 a.m. Friday.

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The river had risen over 5 feet within 24 hours to within an inch of minor flood stage at 10.5 feet by Thursday evening.

At 13.7 feet, water will inundate some residences near the river around the town, River Center Park and part of the San Juan River Campground, according to NOAA.

Roads including part of North Pagosa Boulevard and Colorado 151 at Chimney Rock were closed Thursday evening due to flooding with no expected reopening time.

Archuleta County officials urge residents to never drive through flooded waters, secure low lying property and keep pets away from flood waters.

The San…