Significant and historic flooding is occurring across southwest Colorado and southeast Utah, resulting in a particularly dangerous situation. Local law enforcement reported heavy rain and existing flooding in the affected areas as of Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026.
A flood warning is in effect until 4:15 PM MST Monday for several locations, including southern San Juan County in Utah and portions of Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Miguel counties in Colorado. Significant rainfall has already resulted in between 1.5 and 3 inches of rain.
Impacts from this flooding include the inundation of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying or flood-prone areas. Many local roads have become flooded and impassable, while some roads have washed out or collapsed completely. Officials recommend that residents in the warned areas do not travel this evening or overnight.
A flood advisory remains in effect until 3:00 PM MST Monday, with expectations of debris from mudslides and flooding caused by excessive rainfall. This advisory covers the same areas as the flood warning, including southern San Juan County, Utah.
Specific locations identified in these alerts include Blanding, Mexican Hat, Cortez, Pagosa Springs, Dolores, Dove Creek, Ignacio, Aneth, Montezuma Creek, White Mesa, Bluff, Tselakai Dezza, Halchita, Goulding, Hovenweep National Monument, Towaoc, Arriola, Yellow Jacket, and Lewis.
Prior to the current warnings, a flood watch was issued for the region, including Canyonlands and Natural Bridges, lasting from 5 AM MST Sunday through Monday morning. This watch noted that 1 to 3 inches of rain was expected over soils already saturated from recent rainfall and flooding, which could lead to excessive runoff and clogged storm drains or ditches.
Authorities advise the public to turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads, as most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Caution is urged when traveling at night when it is more difficult to recognize the dangers of flooding.
