Pagosa Springs issued an evacuation warning Thursday for low-lying areas along the San Juan River as San Juan County floods threatened people and property. The Town of Pagosa Springs later closed river-area trails, parks and boat ramps as water rose.
At 2 p.m. Thursday, the Archuleta County Sheriff’s office said the evacuation order was mandatory. The town’s public safety notice covered residents and visitors in low-lying areas and said the active evacuation warning zones included the San Juan River, Rio Blanco River, Navajo River and Piedra River.
San Juan River closures in Pagosa Springs
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. Officials also closed boat ramps at San Juan River Park and Yamaguchi Park. The closures leave access along the river limited to areas not covered by the warning.
The Town of Pagosa Springs 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.
Archuleta County Sheriff and town notice
The warning was posted for low-lying areas, but it was not limited to one river. The notice also covered the Rio Blanco River, Navajo River and Piedra River, and officials said emergency vehicle traffic may increase on major and minor access roads.
Residents in the affected areas were told to sign up for emergency notifications through the Town of Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County so they can get updates on weather, possible evacuations, road closures and other public safety concerns. The practical question now is how many homes and residents sit inside the low-lying zones, and that number has not been given in the notice.
