Flood Recovery: Southwest Colorado Grapples With $27 Million in Infrastructure Damage

Residents across southwest Colorado are clearing mud and debris from their homes after two historic floods struck the region within nine days. The storms left many communities isolated, cut off power to thousands, and caused nearly $27 million in damage to public infrastructure in Archuleta and Rio Grande counties. Local officials have asked the Trump administration for federal assistance to aid in the recovery effort.

The first flood hit on October 23, when the San Juan River rose from 5 feet to more than 15 feet. This marked the highest crest in 115 years. Archuleta County officials estimated that more than 800 structures were damaged, including 540 homes. Sheriff Mike Le Roux described the event as catastrophic and unprecedented for the county. The second storm struck nine days later with the ground already saturated, causing rivers to swell again. The San Juan reached 16.8 feet, while the Animas River in Durango peaked at almost 9 feet.

Isolation compounded the damage. In Pagosa Springs, a bridge connecting the town to the outside world remained underwater or covered in silt for five days. The only road in and out of the town was impassable to cars. Brooke Willis, a resident along Colorado 151, checked water levels every hour. The water stood just 2 feet from her home. She chose to stay to help elderly neighbors and their animals, relying on tea lights from her recent wedding and a wood-burning stove for heat and light.

Community members responded to the crisis with shared labor. Neighbors volunteered to shovel mud from basements and clear roads, often without prior coordination. Diane LaMay, a Durango resident who had more than a foot of water in her basement, noted the collective effort. Construction companies cleared roads without charge, and residents brought food and water to those in need. Brittany Valdez, who spent ten-hour days shoveling mud, said strangers were showing up to help without asking.

Businesses are attempting to reopen despite ongoing challenges. Riff Raff Brewing Company in Pagosa Springs opened Thursday using a generator to provide power. The town's iconic hot springs also reopened, with 30 of its 50 pools operational. Jesse Hensle, the springs' vice president of marketing, said the resort opened to maintain staffing and show stability. The Pagosa Springs History Museum remains at risk as water eroded the ground beneath it. Officials are working to save the museum's contents before it falls into the river.

The region faces a long recovery. Roads remain closed, and many homes lack running water and electricity. The Animas River flow rate in Durango exploded from 1,290 cubic feet per second to 13,000 cubic feet per second during the second storm. Residents continue to assess damage to private property, which is not included in the initial $27 million public infrastructure estimate. Local crews are working to restore access to U.S. 160 and clear debris from streets.