A flood warning remains in effect for the San Juan River through 5:15 p.m. Thursday. According to the National Weather Service, excessive rainfall has caused rising river levels from near Bluff to the terminus at Lake Powell.
The flooding is being driven by excess runoff from rainfall that occurred on Sunday. In southwestern San Juan County, officials expect high water levels and the river to exceed its banks, inundating low-lying areas. A secondary crest is forecasted to reach approximately 23.5 feet near Bluff on Thursday morning.
Stream gauge reports indicate that at 8:13 a.m. MST, the stage on the San Juan River at Bluff had already exceeded flood stage, reaching 23.7 feet. This follows a previous measurement from 11:30 a.m. Monday when the stage was recorded at 20.4 feet, while the bankfull stage is 22.0 feet and the flood stage is 23.0 feet.
The flood warning area includes the San Juan River from the Four Corners through Mexican Hat, Utah, encompassing locations such as Bluff, Montezuma Creek, and Aneth. Upstream impacts from flooding have already been reported near Farmington, New Mexico. Officials noted that it may take several hours for all water from these storms to move through local drainage systems.
Authorities advise the public to turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads, noting that most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Residents should be especially cautious at night when it is more difficult to recognize the dangers of flooding.
