Pagosa Springs has ordered an immediate evacuation of properties in areas threatened by flooding, with the San Juan River forecast to rise to nearly 17 feet by early Monday.
The Town of Pagosa Springs’ notice, published by the Pagosa Springs Sun, directs residents, occupants and visitors in affected areas to leave immediately. It identifies the San Juan River corridor and nearby low-lying areas as particular concerns, and warns people not to wait for water levels to rise before evacuating.
Archuleta County has also ordered evacuations for low-lying areas along the San Juan, Rio Blanco, Navajo and Piedra rivers, KSUT Public Radio reported. The river is forecast to crest near 17 feet early Monday, 2 feet above last week’s peak of 15 feet, Pagosa Springs Town Manager David Harris told KSUT at an emergency meeting on Saturday.
Nearly 3 inches of rain are projected for the Pagosa Springs area from Sunday into Monday morning, KSUT reported. The town’s notice says San Juan Street and Hermosa Street are due to close to through traffic from 6 a.m. on Sunday, November 1; further closures downtown and along U.S. Highway 160 may follow as conditions develop.
The forecast is below the 17.8-foot level recorded during a 1911 flood. Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Vicki Shaffer told KOAT that the current forecast was 16.9 feet and warned that emergency responders may not be able to reach people who remain in flood-prone areas.
The precise extent of flooding and any further road closures will depend on rainfall and river levels. The evacuation order advises people not to return to affected areas until officials issue an all-clear.
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