Flooding in San Juan County has triggered emergency alerts in the town of Bluff and forced the closure of Highway 163 near the junction of Highways 163 and 191, as rising river levels threaten low-lying areas. The Utah Division of Emergency Management issued an alert for Bluff residents on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, instructing them to shelter in place or move to higher ground immediately if safe.
Emergency Alerts in Bluff
The Utah Division of Emergency Management announced at 5:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, that Cottonwood Wash is flooding. Officials advised Bluff residents to move to an upper floor if water approaches their homes and warned against driving or walking through floodwaters. To assist those displaced, an evacuation center has been established at Blanding High School.
San Juan River Flooding
The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the San Juan River from the Four Corners through Mexican Hat, Utah, effective until 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. This warning includes the communities of Bluff, Montezuma Creek, and Aneth.
Meteorologists expect river levels to continue rising due to excess runoff from rainfall that occurred on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. While the river stage was recorded at 20.4 feet at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, a secondary crest near 23.5 feet is anticipated near Bluff early Thursday morning, Nov. 5, 2026. The river is expected to fall below flood stage later that morning.
Ongoing River Impacts
In addition to the river warnings, a separate flood warning remains in effect for the San Juan River from near Bluff to the terminus at Lake Powell until 8 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
According to the National Weather Service, flooding is already occurring along portions of the river. High flows are expected to continue moving down the San Juan River toward Lake Powell through Tuesday morning, Nov. 3, 2026.
Road Closures and Infrastructure
Transportation infrastructure has been significantly impacted by the rising waters. Highway 163 is closed west of Bluff near the junction of Highways 163 and 191 due to the Comb Wash Bridge being washed out. Officials have warned travelers not to attempt to cross the area and to obey all road closure signs.
School District Closures
The San Juan School District has adjusted its operations in response to the weather. Schools in Bluff are closed on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. Students in Montezuma Creek will also be out of classrooms on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, and will participate via virtual learning on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Mental Health Support
The Utah Division of Emergency Management has launched a disaster distress helpline to support residents struggling with the emotional toll of the recent flooding and severe weather. The helpline, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, provides free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling for disaster-related stress.
Community Recovery Efforts
San Juan County Emergency Management has urged residents to check on neighbors, friends, and family members, particularly those who may be struggling. The agency emphasized the importance of community strength and self-care as the region continues to respond to and recover from these flooding events.
