Pagosa Springs Floodwaters Recede as Evacuations and Recovery Continue

Floodwaters recede, but the emergency is not over

Updated November 3, 2026, 6:55 a.m. Mountain time · Originally published November 2.

Floodwaters have begun to recede in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, but damage and evacuation orders have left residents facing a difficult recovery and altered Election Day arrangements.

The town said in a Monday morning update that the San Juan River was falling slightly, while conditions remained dangerous. Downtown remained under evacuation orders at that time; officials told residents not to return to evacuated areas until authorities say it is safe.

By late Monday afternoon, the U.S. 160 crossing at the San Juan River’s First Street Bridge and 14th Street had reopened, the town said in a 6:35 p.m. Mountain update. Reopening one crossing does not mean all roads or evacuated areas are open. Check COtrip and current local advisories before traveling.

What happened to the river

The San Juan reached 16.81 feet Sunday before receding Monday, the Associated Press reported, citing the National Weather Service. The level was below the approximately 17.8-foot crest reported for the 1911 flood. A separate Denver Gazette report also put the recent peak at about 16.81 feet.

That observed level is different from the earlier forecast: on Sunday afternoon the town warned that the river could reach around 19.71 feet or higher. Forecasts describe what might happen; measured levels show what instruments recorded. Conditions can still change, and gauge readings may be provisional. The USGS river gauge provides current readings.

Flooding damaged infrastructure, including ground beneath the Pagosa Springs Museum, Colorado Public Radio reported. The town warned Monday morning that sewage had previously entered the river and told people to keep children and pets away from the river and floodwaters.

Evacuations and Election Day

The town’s latest posted evacuation instruction in the updates reviewed was from Monday morning. Conditions can change: consult the town’s flood information and county emergency alerts for the order that applies to your address. Never drive through floodwater, and call 911 for an immediate emergency.

Flooding also changed local voting arrangements. The town said Monday that the Ross Aragon Community Center voter center and Town Hall ballot drop box were no longer in use, with a replacement voter center and mobile drop box arranged elsewhere. The Colorado secretary of state’s November 1 announcement described the relocation. For current locations and hours, voters should use the secretary of state’s official site or contact election officials before traveling; road conditions may also affect access.

Town Hall, Municipal Court, the Community Center, Visitor Center and maintenance offices are closed for regular business Tuesday, the town said Monday evening; municipal court proceedings for November 3 were canceled.

Where this is happening

Pagosa Springs is in Archuleta County, southwest Colorado. The marker identifies the town, not a specific flooded property or evacuation boundary.

Map: OpenStreetMap contributors.

How the emergency developed

October 31 Local authorities renewed mandatory evacuation warnings as flooding threatened the area, Denver7 reported.
November 1, 5:25 p.m. Mountain The town urged people in designated areas to leave and posted a forecast of a potentially higher river crest. Town update
November 2, 10:15 a.m. Mountain The town said the river had begun to recede slightly while downtown remained under evacuation orders and announced voting-location changes. Town update
November 2, 6:35 p.m. Mountain The town reported that the U.S. 160 First Street Bridge and 14th Street had reopened late that afternoon. Town update