A flood watch remains in effect for portions of Southeast Utah and parts of Colorado through Sunday morning. The National Weather Service Grand Junction CO stated that flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible in these regions.
The flood watch for Utah includes the Arches/Grand Flat, Canyonlands/Bridges, La Sal and Abajo Mountains, and Southeast Utah. Specific areas mentioned include Ridgway, Loghill Village, Telluride, Mountain Village, Ouray, Lake City, Sawpit, Pagosa Springs, Silverton, Rico, Nucla, Naturita, Norwood, Slick Rock, Cortez, Mancos, Dolores, Dove Creek, Durango, Bayfield, Ignacio, Blanding, Oljato-Monument Valley, Goulding, Bluff, Tselakai Dezza, Aneth, Montezuma Creek, Mexican Hat, Halchita, White Mesa, Moab, Green River, Castle Valley, Monticello, La Sal, Eastland, Spanish Valley, Fry Canyon, and Canyonlands National Park.
In Colorado, the watch covers the Uncompahgre Plateau, Dallas Divide-Northwest San Juan Mountains, Southwest San Juan Mountains, Paradox Valley/Lower Dolores River, and the Animas River Basin. Excessive runoff may result in the flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, recent burn scars, and other low-lying or flood-prone locations. Additionally, low-water crossings may be flooded and storm drains or ditches may become clogged with debris.
The National Weather Service Grand Junction CO noted that flooding is imminent or ongoing, with additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected through Saturday afternoon. Rivers and creeks may continue to experience high waters even after rainfall has ended.
In New Mexico, a separate flood watch was issued by the National Weather Service in Albuquerque NM for the Animas River at Farmington. As of 10:30 AM MDT Thursday, the river stage was 6.4 feet, while the flood stage is 10.0 feet. Local overbank flooding is occurring along the lower Animas River, and portions of the riverwalk in Farmington are flooded at 10.0 feet.
Residents in watch areas are advised to monitor rising water levels and be prepared for possible flood warnings. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque NM stated the next statement would be issued Friday afternoon at noon MDT.
