Pagosa Springs issued an evacuation warning Thursday for low-lying areas along the San Juan River as Archuleta County floods brought rising water and flood risk to people and property. The warning covered residents and visitors in the area, while the county said at 2 p.m. that the evacuation order was mandatory.
The Town of Pagosa Springs posted the public safety notice for low-lying areas and listed active evacuation warning zones along the San Juan River, Rio Blanco River, Navajo River and Piedra River. Residents in those areas were told to follow emergency notifications for weather updates, possible evacuations, road closures and other public safety concerns.
San Juan River in Pagosa Springs
The town and Archuleta County asked the public to stay out of the San Juan River because high water and swift-moving conditions create danger for recreational users and emergency responders. Officials also warned about localized flooding, submerged riverbanks and unsafe swift-water conditions, which can make river access and nearby ground conditions change quickly.
That warning was paired with immediate closures across several public spaces. The town closed hike and bike trails along the San Juan River, Town Park, Mary Fisher Park, Centennial Park, River Center Park and Cotton Hole Park. Boat ramps at San Juan River Park and Yamaguchi Park were also closed.
Town of Pagosa Springs and Archuleta
The practical effect is broader than the riverbank itself. People who use those trails, parks and ramps now have to route around closures while emergency vehicle traffic may increase on major and minor access roads near the affected areas.
The town urged residents to sign up for emergency notifications through the Town of Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County to track changing weather, possible evacuations, road closures and other public safety concerns. The open question for residents is how many people or properties were directly affected by the evacuation warning.
