A flood warning remains in effect for the San Juan River through 6 a.m. Tuesday, as officials warn of catastrophic flooding caused by excessive rainfall. This emergency situation is expected to impact the river between Four Corners and Mexican Hat.
The San Juan River is forecast to rise above flood stage this afternoon, with a projected crest of 29.5 feet early Monday morning. This crest is significantly higher than the bankfull stage of 22.0 feet and the flood stage of 23.0 feet. At 1:46 p.m. MDT, the river stage near Bluff was recorded at 20 feet.
Flooding is occurring or expected to begin shortly along the San Juan River. Locations facing impacts include Mexican Hat, Tselakai Dezza, Bluff, Halchita, Montezuma Creek, and Aneth. Downstream, flooding is expected to continue toward the terminus at Lake Powell through at least Tuesday morning.
The current flooding impacts follow recent rainfall, though no additional rainfall is expected. The projected crest of 29.5 feet compares to a previous crest of 32.0 feet recorded on September 10, 1927. In addition to the river flooding, a flood watch remains in effect through this evening for portions of southeast Utah and southwest Colorado, including the Animas River Basin and San Juan River Basin.
Officials advise residents to stay away from river banks, which can become unstable and unsafe. Drivers are warned to turn around rather than drowning when encountering flooded roads, as most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
