Animas River flooding causes evacuations and damage in Southwest Colorado
The latest in this situation
- Flooding from the Animas River damaged the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado.
- Water rescues and CDOT damage estimates reported during flooding in the Farmington/Bloomfield area.
- Heavy rain caused the Animas River to surge through Durango, running near Durango High School and through residential neighborhoods.
- Flooding along the Animas River in Colorado caused bank breaches, road closures, and evacuations in affected towns.
- Evacuation orders were issued near the Animas River and Hermosa Creek following recent flooding.
How it started
Heavy Rains Trigger Flooding and Evacuations in Southwest Colorado
What happened
Heavy rains have triggered flood warnings and evacuations in the Four Corners area, specifically in San Juan County. Officials are monitoring the levels of the Animas River, La Plata River, and San Juan River. The Navajo Nation ordered evacuations in low-lying areas near Aneth due to the threat of rising water levels.
Why it matters
The Animas River is forecasted to reach action stage, and flooding has already closed parts of Highways 191 and 162 near Aneth. These conditions require emergency responses and impact local infrastructure.
Who's involved
- San Juan CountySan Juan County officials are monitoring river levels and issuing flood warnings.
- Animas RiverThe Animas River is cresting at high levels, driving water flow toward San Juan County.
- Navajo NationThe Navajo Nation ordered evacuations in low-lying areas near Aneth.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Navajo NationSpeculative
Evacuation orders could disrupt community operations and infrastructure for the Navajo Nation.
- San Juan CountySpeculative
Flooding and evacuation orders could impact local operations and infrastructure in San Juan County.
- ColoradoSpeculative
The state of Colorado might have to mobilize resources and manage disaster response costs.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.- Flooding in southwest Colorado may strain state resourcesColorado may face strong strain on resources due to severe floodingLikely
- Flooding threats may disrupt Navajo Nation operations in Four CornersFlooding threats may disrupt Navajo Nation operations in Four CornersLikely
- Flooding in San Juan County may increase emergency management workloadThe rising river levels in San Juan County are likely to increase the operational demands on the office of emergency management.Likely
- Flooding in San Juan County may threaten FRUITLAND's water supplyFlooding in San Juan County may threaten essential water resources for FRUITLANDPossible
How it developed
Newest first. Tap a step to see who reported it.- Flooding sweeps southwest Colorado as the Animas River crests at its highest level since 1970.Sub-event
Officials are monitoring river levels in San Juan County.1 source
Flooding in Durango is driving water down the Animas River, prompting Navajo Nation evacuations.1 source
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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Animas River
river in Colorado and New Mexico in the United States
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San Juan County
county in Colorado, United States