Floodwaters Recede to Leave Mud and Ruins in Colorado Communities

Heavy rainfall across the Four Corners region has left southeast Colorado communities dealing with extensive property damage and disrupted infrastructure.

Retired teacher Jack Ellis inspected the damage along the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs, noting that the town experienced two separate rounds of severe flooding in recent weeks. He described the situation as a disaster for low-lying areas, stating that residents must dig in and dig out to recover. Ellis expressed hope for federal assistance, noting that taxpayers in the area work together in times of crisis.

Former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chief scientist Ryan Maue calculated that more than 20 trillion gallons of rain fell on the Four Corners states and Nevada over the past two weeks. Although skies cleared on Tuesday, flood risks persisted as water moved through the dry terrain where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah meet. One person died in the floodwaters, and police suspect a second death was weather-related. Hundreds of evacuees began returning home while swift-water rescue teams remained active.

The weather disruption also affected local politics, with some communities in Colorado and Utah implementing alternative Election Day voting plans. In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis issued an emergency declaration after downpours swamped parts of the state, prompting changes to polling places in at least eight counties. In Pagosa Springs, officials estimated that cleanup and repairs would take weeks or more, as walkways and bridges collapsed or sustained heavy damage. A resort entrance was covered with a tarp, and sandbags were stacked near a sign that read "Love Pagosa."

In Durango, located about 60 miles west of Pagosa Springs, Willow Bradner’s ranch-style home was surrounded by approximately two feet of mud. Water from the overflowing Junction Creek poured inside, reaching nearly five feet at one point. Bradner, who runs a custom closet and storage business with her husband, stated that her basement became a soup bowl. She had asked if flood insurance was necessary when buying the property in 2024 and was told they were outside the flood zone. The couple and their teenage daughter have been offered a place to stay through the end of the year, but Bradner said the loss of their home and uncertainty are overwhelming. She noted that the majority of their savings is tied up in the house and that they must dig deep to rebuild.

Officials in San Juan County, New Mexico, confirmed that the San Juan, Animas, and La Plata rivers have all crested. While none are currently below flood stage, they are expected to recede over the next 24 to 48 hours. The agency posted online that the crest has passed on all rivers, though evacuations remain in place in several areas.