Flooding in southwest Colorado causes major damage - some roadways washed away - Colorado National Guard assisting
Floodwaters are beginning to recede across southwest Colorado, but evacuations, road closures, and ongoing flood threats continue across several counties.
More than five inches of rain fell across the region last week, sending rivers to levels not seen in more than a century. The flooding has caused widespread infrastructure damage, stranded residents, and forced evacuations across parts of Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.
The Colorado National Guard deployed nearly 100 personnel, two helicopters, and 30 tactical vehicles to support emergency operations. In one rescue, a National Guard helicopter airlifted a couple and their pets from a recreational vehicle swept away by floodwaters.
In Pagosa Springs, the San Juan River reached its highest level in 115 years.
Mandatory evacuations remain in place in parts of Conejos and Rio Grande counties. Officials are also organizing emergency supply drops for residents stranded by damaged roads.
Several major highways remain closed, including sections of U-S 160 and Colorado 151. Transportation officials say floodwaters washed away part of Colorado 151 and caused significant damage to other roadways.
Additional rain and thunderstorms could bring renewed flooding, even in areas where rainfall has stopped.
Authorities are urging residents to follow evacuation orders, avoid barricaded roads, and never drive through floodwaters.
Officials say the full extent of the damage, repair costs, and the timeline for residents to return home remain uncertain.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency Late Thursday, October 22nd. That allowed the state to utilize the Colorado National Guard to help with evacuations, aid, and rescue efforts.
