Colorado Governor Declares Disaster Emergency Due to Severe Flooding
Mandatory evacuations and extensive road closures are in effect across southern Colorado as heavy rain causes rivers to swell dangerously.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency late Thursday in response to severe rainfall and flooding that triggered mandatory evacuations, forced school closures, and heavily damaged roads and bridges across several southern counties. The emergency declaration authorizes the deployment of the Colorado National Guard to support local authorities with flood response, evacuations, and search and rescue missions across 11 counties.
In Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County, local officials issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas along the San Juan, Rio Blanco, Navajo, and Piedra rivers. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the San Juan River near Pagosa Springs surged to just over 15 feet early Friday morning, which is approximately 10 feet higher than pre-flood levels and only two feet below its record crest.
The severe weather prompted the Archuleta School District to cancel all classes on Friday. Officials noted that conditions remained highly unpredictable, placing the safety of students and staff as the primary concern. The Red Cross of Western Colorado opened emergency evacuation centers at Bayfield High School and the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association Clubhouse to shelter displaced residents.
Multiple major highways and local roads have been shut down indefinitely due to bridge failures, culvert collapses, and rising water. State transportation officials reported that sections of Colorado 160, Colorado 17, Colorado 151, and U.S. 550 are closed. In downtown Pagosa Springs, emergency road closures were also established along Hermosa Street and San Juan Street, while public parks, river trails, and boat ramps were closed to the public.
The flooding extended beyond Archuleta County, impacting neighboring regions in the Four Corners area. In San Juan County, New Mexico, emergency management officials urged residents living near the Animas and San Juan rivers to evacuate as water levels continued to rise, with an emergency shelter established at McGee Park. Additional flood warnings and pre-evacuation orders were issued for parts of La Plata County.
Local authorities distributed sandbags at various pickup locations, including the Archuleta County Building and the Tara Community Center in Arboles, to help residents protect their properties. Officials advised the public to monitor emergency updates from local sheriff offices and the National Weather Service, which maintained flood watches and warnings across southwest Colorado and southeastern Utah.