The Utah Division of Emergency Management issued an emergency alert for Bluff on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, ordering residents to shelter in place or move to higher ground immediately due to Cottonwood Wash flooding. The alert comes as the region continues to manage the impacts of a significant flood event caused by unprecedented precipitation during the week of Oct. 19.
Emergency Alerts and Safety Instructions
Emergency responders and residents are managing volatile conditions as water levels fluctuate. The Utah Division of Emergency Management instructed Bluff residents facing rising waters to move to an upper floor if water approaches their homes. Residents were also advised to keep medications, supplies, and pets with them while staying away from Cottonwood Wash, the San Juan River, and other flooded areas.
Major Highway and Bridge Closures
The flooding has caused significant disruptions to regional infrastructure and travel. As of 5:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, the Utah Division of Emergency Management reported that Highway 163 is closed west of Bluff near the junction of Highways 163 and 191 because the Comb Wash Bridge has been washed out. Officials warned travelers not to attempt to cross the area and to obey all road closure signs.
Regional Detours and Road Conditions
The current road closures are part of a wider network of transportation disruptions across San Juan County. According to the Utah Navajo Health System, Inc., additional closures include:
• UT-162 near Bluff, closed from MP 0 to MP 2.
• The UT-162 Bridge near Montezuma Creek, closed at MP 13 due to water over the road.
To reach Mexican Hat, travelers are advised to take US-191 South, head west on UT-95, and then take UT-261 South via the Moki Dugway to US-163 South. Travelers should note that the Moki Dugway contains three miles of steep, unpaved gravel switchbacks and is not recommended for trailers or RVs. To reach Montezuma Creek, motorists should take US-191 South to the base of White Mesa hill, then take UT-262 East and South.
School Closures and Learning Changes
The ongoing crisis has also impacted local education and recreation. The San Juan School District announced that schools will be closed on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. Montezuma Creek schools are scheduled to remain closed on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, with students expected to participate via virtual learning.
Park and Recreation Area Closures
Recreational areas and landmarks are facing various restrictions. As of Nov. 2, 2026, the Four Corners Monument is closed. In Monument Valley Tribal Park, the 17-mile loop is closed to visitors and tour operations. Additionally, a temporary closure order remains in effect for the Sand Island Campground, Sand Island Boat Ramp, Mexican Hat Boat Ramp, and all BLM-administered lands within the San Juan River floodplain between the Sand Island and Mexican Hat boat ramps.
Background on the Flood Event
The current emergency follows a massive weather event that began during the week of Oct. 19, 2026. Representatives from the Town of Bluff, San Juan County, and Business Owners of Bluff issued a joint statement noting that unprecedented precipitation across the Four Corners region and San Juan County resulted in a significant flood event along the San Juan River and its tributaries. While parts of Bluff were evacuated on Sunday night, the evacuation order was lifted early Monday morning, Oct. 26, 2026.
Community Relief and Support Efforts
Local officials have noted that while the waters have damaged and destroyed structures in Bluff and surrounding communities, the coordinated efforts of first-responders and volunteers helped keep residents safe during the initial historic flood. To assist with the recovery, the Bluff Community Foundation has established a Flood Relief Fund to provide unrestricted financial support for displaced residents. This fund is intended to cover pressing needs such as temporary housing, food, cleaning supplies, and building materials.
