San Juan County officials warned Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, that flood threats continue following a historic rise of the San Juan River, which reached a level 2 feet above its previous record set in 1909. The massive flooding has impacted as many as 2,000 homes and necessitated hundreds of swift-water rescues, according to local officials.
Massive Rescue Operations
The flooding, triggered by heavy rainfall across the Four Corners region, began Thursday and saw the San Juan River swell significantly. By Friday evening, entire neighborhoods were under evacuation orders. At least 60 swift-water rescues were conducted across the county, including instances where helicopters were used to lift families off rooftops.
Search and Rescue Efforts
San Juan County Fire and Rescue Chief David Vega held a news briefing on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, stating that while it is too early to provide an exact count of those rescued, he suspects between 200 and 300 actual rescues occurred. Vega also estimated that up to 2,000 homes have been impacted by the rising waters.
As of Saturday, Vega reported that crews were conducting door-to-door searches of abandoned homes to ensure no one was missed. He noted that as floodwaters recede, new hazards such as downed power lines and gas leaks may be exposed. While no deaths have been reported, the extent of injuries remains unclear.
Personal Impact of Flooding
The impact on residents has been devastating. In Bloomfield, Dennis Alexander, 41, reported that the river "took everything" on Thursday night. Alexander, who has lived 50 feet from the San Juan River bank for five years, lost his car, which he said floated 10 miles down the river.
Alexander described the water rising "in the blink of an eye," with feet of water appearing rapidly. While he was able to get his 8- and 10-year-old children to safety, his wife and her cousin were trapped in their home for 12 hours before rescuers could reach them.
Community Response and Damage
Shiprock bore the brunt of the historic event on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, as the river reached the edges of the main bridge and submerged surrounding neighborhoods. In Farmington, the rafting shop Desert River Guides was converted into a makeshift animal shelter to house pets and displaced dogs.
Ryan Dudgeon, owner of Desert River Guides, described the scene as "surreal," noting the sight of helicopters flying overhead and swift-water rescue boats in operation. Dudgeon also recalled listening to the sounds of cattle bellowing in distress from the darkness as the water rose.
State and Federal Response
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham prepared a request for an emergency disaster declaration to seek federal assistance, estimating total damages at $27.1 million. The Governor's Office issued a statement noting that the San Juan River has run 2 feet above its previous record height set in 1909.
In a statement, Lujan Grisham said, "Families in Bloomfield and Farmington spent the night on rooftops watching the river flood their homes, and our National Guard and State Police crews have been bringing them to safety. Right now, our focus is saving lives."
Ongoing Risks
Earlier on Friday morning, the Bloomfield Police Department had already issued evacuation orders for residents living along South Church Street and Road 5005, north of the San Juan River, due to expected rises in the river level.
As the floodwaters continue to pose a threat, officials have urged anyone under an evacuation order to leave immediately. The San Juan and Animas rivers have approached or pushed well past their flood thresholds, according to officials.
Historic River Levels
San Juan County has declared a state of emergency as officials continue to monitor the situation. The San Juan River's current height represents a historic milestone for the region, breaking a record that had stood since 1909.
