The San Juan River at Farmington has reached levels exceeding the 1909 record, according to a report published October 23. Major flooding is occurring in the area, prompting evacuation orders for parts of Farmington and flood warnings for the San Juan and Animas rivers.
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque reported that the San Juan River at Farmington was at 13.2 feet at 10 a.m. MDT on October 23, surpassing the previous record of 12.3 feet set on September 6, 1909. The river was forecast to crest at 14.0 feet that afternoon. A flood warning for this location is extended until 2:04 a.m. MDT on Sunday, Oct. 25.
San Juan County Public Alerts issued evacuate now alerts for several areas of Farmington, including west Farmington, east Farmington near Rancho de Animas, and east Farmington around Schmitt Road. McGee Park has been opened as a shelter for people and pets, including RVs.
Additional flood warnings are in effect for other locations in San Juan County. The San Juan River at Shiprock was recorded at 16.1 feet at 10 a.m. MDT on October 23, with minor flooding occurring and a major flood forecast. This location is expected to crest at 22.2 feet just after midnight on October 24.
The Animas River at Farmington is forecast to crest at 11.3 feet late Friday evening, October 24. The river was recorded at 10.2 feet at 10 a.m. MDT on October 23 near Cedar Hill, with a forecast crest of 11.3 feet late that afternoon. Backwater flooding on the Animas River at its confluence with the San Juan River is a major concern for the Farmington vicinity.
The current extent of flooding along the San Juan River in New Mexico has not been observed since before the completion of Navajo Dam in 1962. The National Weather Service advises the public to turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads, noting that most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
The next official statements from the National Weather Service are scheduled to be issued at noon MDT on Friday, Oct. 23.
