Residents and business owners in Bluff began clearing mud and water from their homes and businesses Monday after the San Juan River flooded parts of the town and neighboring Navajo Nation communities. The flooding followed multiple days of rain across the San Juan River basin.
At Curtis Yanito’s family-owned Navajo art gallery along Bluff's Main Street, inches of mud covered the floors and filled the front and back yards. The gallery displays paintings, jewelry, and sculptures made by his family. Yanito stated that everything appeared fine from the outside until he walked inside, noting that he has seen the river flood before but never like this.
Next door, all 11 cabins at Bluff Garden Cabins flooded, causing significant damage to items such as beds, couches, refrigerators, and microwaves. Resort owner Melanie Kranz said the water moved across the property in about 20 minutes, leaving little time to prepare. Kranz noted that the water damages wood quickly and expressed concern for employees who are devastated by the damage to their livelihoods.
The National Weather Service said Monday that the San Juan River near Bluff was expected to crest at about 31 feet, which is 8 feet above the river’s 23-foot flood stage. This forecast crest was close to the record 32-foot level recorded in 1927. While rainfall had eased, forecasters said runoff from the large drainage area would continue moving toward the river, meaning flood conditions could take time to improve.
The town of Bluff lifted its evacuation order early Monday, though officials warned that some properties remained flooded and urged people to stay out of the river due to elevated water and possible sewage contamination. The National Weather Service forecast the river to fall below flood stage late Tuesday morning. Displaced people can seek help at the Red Cross shelter at San Juan High School in Blanding. Additionally, the Bluff Community Foundation announced a relief fund for flood-affected residents and a fundraiser was started to support Bluff Garden Cabins.
