A flood warning was issued for the San Juan River on October 24, with officials warning of catastrophic flooding caused by excessive rainfall. The emergency situation involves significant risks for southeastern Utah and southwestern Colorado, specifically targeting the San Juan River between Four Corners and Mexican Hat.
The San Juan River is forecast to undergo major flooding, with a predicted peak at Mexican Hat by 5 p.m. Sunday evening. At that time, the river could reach approximately 36 feet, a level that would exceed all time records. The river is expected to crest near 6 p.m. Sunday at Bluff above major flood stage. Flooding is expected to continue downstream to the terminus at Lake Powell through at least late Monday morning.
The flood warning is in effect until 1 p.m. MDT Monday for areas including Montezuma Creek, Mexican Hat, Tselakai Dezza, Bluff, Halchita, Aneth, and Montezuma Creek. Additionally, a separate flood warning remains in effect until 11 a.m. MDT Monday for the San Juan River from downstream of Bluff to the terminus at Lake Powell, affecting eastern Kane County and southwestern San Juan County.
A flood watch is also in effect through Sunday evening for various regions, including the Canyonlands/Natural Bridges area and the La Sal and Abajo Mountains. This watch covers portions of southeast Utah and southwest Colorado, including the Animas River Basin and San Juan River Basin. Officials noted that flooding is imminent or ongoing, with additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected through Sunday afternoon.
Authorities advise residents to move to higher ground immediately and to stay away from river banks and culverts, which can become unstable. Drivers are warned not to attempt to cross low-water crossings, as they are being inundated and may not be passable.
