Archuleta County orders evacuation as storm system targets flood zones

Colorado officials are managing the financial and logistical strain of a second major weather event in less than two weeks, with Archuleta County authorities ordering immediate evacuations for low-lying residents on Friday. The new storm system threatens to compound damage from the near-historic floods that struck the region earlier this month, forcing local governments to reallocate emergency resources and coordinate with state agencies for further aid.

County officials stated that the forecast has deteriorated, with expected conditions continuing to worsen. Residents can now anticipate up to three inches of rain across most of the county. Precipitation is projected to cause the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs to crest at 10.58 feet, while the Piedra River near Arboles is expected to reach 5.92 feet. These figures represent a substantial increase in water volume that will stress local infrastructure and drainage systems.

The storm system is also bringing heavy snow to the high country, with forecasts ranging from one foot to 30 inches of accumulation. This weather pattern is expected to arrive on Sunday and persist through Monday. Officials advised that anyone with existing water on their property should expect additional inundation from the incoming system. They urged residents with medical needs or limited shelter resources to evacuate to safe areas for the duration of the storm, even if they are not in a designated evacuation zone.

In Rio Grande County, the National Weather Service in Pueblo identified Creede, Monte Vista, and Alamosa as areas likely to be impacted by the same system. Local authorities have replaced a previous boil water advisory with a countywide private well water safety advisory. Residents can obtain test kits at the South Fork Community Center, the Del Norte Rio Grande County Public Health Office, or Monte Vista City Hall to check for contamination resulting from the recent flooding.

Officials emphasized that water quality can change rapidly after a flood event. A test that shows clean results today may not reflect conditions a week later. Residents with positive test results are instructed to shock their wells and retest in seven to 10 days. Those waiting for results can contact Sangre de Cristo Labs at 719-589-1024 for assistance. This process adds a layer of administrative and testing costs for homeowners managing their private water supplies.

To prepare for the weekend, South Fork Fire Rescue is recruiting volunteers to pre-fill sandbags. Operations are set for Rickel Arena at 170 Wharton Drive in South Fork, with additional filling sessions scheduled in El Norte and Monte Vista on Saturday. Evacuees are advised to bring important documents, insurance information, medications, and essential supplies in case they are away from home for several days. The local disaster emergency declaration in Pagosa Springs, signed by Mayor Shari Pierce and Town Manager David Harris, remains in effect through next Thursday to facilitate state and federal assistance.

In Conejos County, a Disaster Assistance Center will open at the Knights of Columbus Hall in La Jara from Tuesday, November 3, through Saturday, November 7. A tetanus booster vaccination campaign is scheduled for November 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Conejos County Public Health Department. A county spokesperson noted that the situation is difficult for residents who have already experienced significant disruption and urged the public to make safety decisions now to protect their families.