DENVER (KDVR) — The Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office announced mandatory evacuations for homes along the San Juan and Blanco rivers on Monday evening, echoed by the Pagosa Springs Police Department later in the evening.
The sheriff’s office said that it is forecasting a peak flow on the San Juan River similar to that of Saturday evening at about midnight on Monday. The agency announced earlier in the day that it had deputies patrolling the county to watch for rising water levels.
The police department said that due to rapidly rising water levels and a projected risk of major flooding, all residents along Hermosa Street and San Juan Street were subject to mandatory evacuation orders.
The police department said that residents are required to evacuate immediately and seek alternative shelter, with peak flooding anticipated near midnight with conditions that “may become life-threatening.”
The north end of Vallecito Reservoir floods Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, near Bayfield, Colo. (Jerry McBride/The Durango Herald via AP) 
Firefighter Chris Canawa, with Upper Pine River Fire Protection District, walks through floodwater at Vallecito Reservoir after checking on residents of a house being evacuated near Bayfield, Colo., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. (Jerry McBride/The Durango Herald via AP) 
The north end of Vallecito Reservoir floods Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, near Bayfield, Colo. (Jerry McBride/The Durango Herald via AP) 
Flooding is seen near Vallecito Reservoir, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, near Bayfield, Colo. (Jerry McBride/The Durango Herald via AP)
An emergency shelter is available at the Ross Aragon Community Center, 451 Hot Springs Blvd. Sandbags were being provided at the Archuleta County Public Works Building on Highway 84 and the Transfer Station in Arboles.
The areas under mandatory evacuation notices were on the south side of the San Juan River Village, County Road 335 – Rainbow Road, Morning Rain Court, Evening Rain Court, County Road 337/County Road 339 – Last Resort RV Park, properties on County Road 339 nearest to the Blanco River, County Road 500 – Estates Circle, Hermosa Street and San Juan Street in Pagosa Springs.
The police department also closed all public parks in the downtown area of Pagosa Springs, and noted that emergency services are at full capacity due to the weather-related incidents.
The agency said that continuous rain was anticipated throughout the afternoon and early evening, and had established the evacuation shelter earlier in the day to be prepared if need be.
“Be aware of your surroundings and rock and mud slides,” Archuleta County government said on Facebook earlier in the day. “A weather warning indicates a confirmed, current and present danger to this area. Take necessary safety precautions. All low lying areas near rivers and water courses are in a pre evacuation status.”
Additionally, County Road 600 – Piedra Road was closed at Jack’s Pasture due to flooding, according to the county government.
Residents are urged to sign up for Nixle alerts at local.nixle.com/register and avoid flooded areas and roadways.
“This is a developing situation. Please stay alert, stay safe, and follow guidance from emergency personnel,” the Pagosa Springs Police Department said.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
