Back-to-back storms force evacuations in six Colorado counties

Swollen rivers and saturated ground have forced mandatory evacuations across six counties in southwestern Colorado. The new wave of flooding arrived just one week after a previous storm paralyzed the same communities, leaving residents and infrastructure with little capacity to absorb the impact.

The San Juan River in Pagosa Springs crested at 16.81 feet on Sunday night. According to preliminary data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this is the second-highest level on record. It is also two feet higher than the river’s crest recorded on Oct. 23.

Officials issued evacuation orders for low-lying areas in La Plata, Archuleta, Rio Grande, Mineral, Conejos, and Montezuma counties. Mandatory orders cover specific neighborhoods in Pagosa Springs, Durango, Del Norte, Ignacio, and Mancos. The Colorado Department of Transportation reported multiple highway closures, including sections of U.S. 550 and U.S. 160.

Meteorologist Eric Petersen of the National Weather Service in Pueblo explained that the ground remained saturated from the previous week's rain. Reservoirs were already full, pushing water downstream when an estimated 3 to 4 inches of new precipitation fell. Lucas Boyer, a meteorologist in Grand Junction, noted that runoff from smaller creeks is still feeding larger rivers, keeping water levels high despite the passage of the deepest moisture.

Archuleta County officials expect extensive damage. A separate flood earlier in the month damaged more than 500 homes and 150 miles of road in that county. Cell service was cut off in parts of the area, including Pagosa Springs. Katie German, owner of Bruin Coffee in Pagosa Springs, told the Associated Press that downtown streets were flooded. She expressed concern about a potential bridge washout and the ability to transport food and fuel into the town.

In La Plata County, Sheriff Sean Smith closed all county roads on Sunday due to dangerous flood conditions and debris flows. While the overarching closure lifted Monday morning, nearly three dozen roads remained at least partially closed. The Animas River was closed to all watercraft. Officials warned that the river may be contaminated by sewage and other harmful materials.

Conejos County ordered mandatory evacuations for residents in the Conejos River Canyon and the town of Manassa. Officials told residents to expect to be away from home for several days. Both the South Conejos and North Conejos school districts canceled classes for Monday. In Montezuma County, residents of Mancos were ordered to evacuate due to runoff from the Mancos River, which peaked at 8.77 feet early Monday morning.

The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office issued guidance for voters affected by the flooding. Residents in impacted areas of Archuleta and La Plata counties can receive replacement ballots from any state polling center. Those voting in a different county will only be able to cast ballots for statewide races, while local races remain available at home county locations.