A catastrophic flood warning remains in effect until 6 a.m. MDT Tuesday for the San Juan River, as excessive rainfall triggers an emergency situation that officials say is expected to cause significant flooding between the Four Corners and Mexican Hat. The National Weather Service warned Sunday that the river is running fast and high, threatening to inundate low-water crossings and impacting communities across southeastern Utah and southwestern Colorado.
Rising Water and Crest Projections
According to the National Weather Service, the flooding along the San Juan River is currently occurring or is expected to begin shortly. The river is anticipated to rise above flood stage this afternoon, with a projected crest of 29.5 feet expected early Monday morning. This peak would occur at Bluff, Montezuma Creek, and Aneth.
At 2:04 p.m. MDT on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, the river stage near Bluff was recorded at 20 feet, which is below the bankfull stage of 22.0 feet. However, the river is forecast to continue rising and is expected to crest later this evening or into tonight at Bluff at a level above moderate flood stage. The flood stage for the river is established at 23.0 feet.
Affected Communities and Regions
The current flood warning, which remains in effect until 6 a.m. MDT Tuesday, impacts several specific areas. In Utah, the warning covers southwestern San Juan County and eastern Kane County. The flooding is expected to continue downstream to the terminus at Lake Powell through at least Tuesday morning.
In Colorado, the emergency situation involves western Montezuma County. Specific locations identified by the National Weather Service that may experience flooding include Mexican Hat, Tselakai Dezza, Bluff, Halchita, Montezuma Creek, and Aneth. The National Weather Service Grand Junction office characterized the situation as an emergency due to the catastrophic nature of the flooding caused by excessive rainfall.
Regional Weather Context
Weather data indicates this is a significant event for the region. The National Weather Service Salt Lake City office noted that this is the 11th flood warning of its kind issued by that office this year.
While no additional rainfall is expected to contribute to the rising water, the existing volume is expected to cause continued flooding. The river's movement is described as fast and high, posing a direct threat to those near the water's edge.
Safety Warnings and Precautions
The National Weather Service has issued urgent safety advisories for residents and travelers in the affected areas. Officials warn that low-water crossings will be inundated with water and may not be passable.
Authorities have issued a specific warning for motorists: "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads." The agency noted that most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Additionally, the public is advised to "stay away or be swept away," as river banks can become unstable and unsafe during these high-water events.
Forecast Outlook
The flood warning is scheduled to remain in effect until the early morning hours of Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. The National Weather Service expects the river to fall back below flood stage early Tuesday morning after the projected Monday morning crest.
Historical Comparison
Historical data from the National Weather Service shows that the current flooding is severe, though it compares to a previous crest of 32.0 feet recorded on Sept. 10, 1927.
