The town of Bluff lifted an evacuation order at 5 a.m. Monday, October 26, 2026, allowing residents and business owners to return to their properties following historic flooding along the San Juan River. While the evacuation was lifted, officials cautioned that several properties on the east side of Bluff, south of Highway 191/Main Street, remain submerged and warned of potential sewage contamination in the area.
Conditions Following Evacuation
The lifting of the order follows a Sunday evening evacuation prompted by rising waters that submerged homes and businesses in Bluff and surrounding areas. According to a statement from the town, while residents may return to their properties, they should exercise caution due to ongoing conditions. Several properties located on the east side of Bluff, south of Highway 191/Main Street, remain flooded.
Ongoing Flood Warnings
As Gephardt Daily first reported, the National Weather Service had warned of potentially catastrophic flooding along the San Juan River between Four Corners and Mexican Hat. Heavy rainfall had pushed the river toward dangerous levels, resulting in flooded roads, closed bridges, and the displacement of families. While the Bluff evacuation was lifted, flood warnings remained in effect through Tuesday morning, October 27, 2026.
Emergency Shelter Services
The American Red Cross of Utah, working alongside community partners, opened an emergency shelter at San Juan High School in Blanding to assist those displaced by the severe flooding in the Four Corners region. The shelter, located at 311 N. Bronco Blvd. in Blanding, remains available to people displaced by the flooding, according to a Monday morning statement from the American Red Cross.
Red Cross Response
Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter, noted the difficulty for families facing the uncertainty of returning home. "When families are forced to leave their homes because of flooding, they don't know when they'll be able to return or what they'll find when they get there," Donner said. He stated that while the organization cannot eliminate that uncertainty, it can provide a safe place for people to stay and support to turn to.
Regional Impact and Health Risks
The flooding has also impacted neighboring communities. In addition to the Bluff evacuation, orders were issued for Montezuma Creek and Aneth as rising floodwaters threatened those communities along the San Juan River. Officials have advised the public to stay out of the San Juan River, as elevated water levels and possible sewage contamination pose significant health risks.
Community Relief Efforts
The Bluff Community Foundation has launched a relief fund to support the recovery efforts. According to the foundation, every dollar donated goes directly to relief for families in Bluff and neighboring communities devastated by the recent floodwaters. The foundation is also seeking volunteers and assistance with specific donation requests. Individuals impacted by the event can fill out a relief request form through the foundation's website.
Flood Safety Recommendations
The American Red Cross recommends several safety precautions for those in the region. Residents are advised to follow all evacuation orders and leave immediately if instructed to do so. The organization also warns against driving through floodwater, noting that as little as 12 inches of moving water can carry away a car. Additionally, officials recommend staying away from flooded areas, including rivers, streams, drainage channels, and low-water crossings, and keeping emergency supplies—such as medications and important documents—ready.
