"Worse than 1911": Warnings of a Potential Catastrophic Flood Threatening Pagosa Springs, Colorado

The tourist town of Pagosa Springs in southwestern Colorado faces a direct threat of "catastrophic flooding," as local officials warned that the main San Juan River level is heading to surpass the 20-foot mark late Sunday night. This town, home to more than 2,000 residents within the Rocky Mountains and known for its ski resorts and hot springs, is located in an area that is typically dry but is currently experiencing a new wave of heavy rains that has led to the closure of roads leading to and from it.

Historical Comparison of Flood Levels

The Archuleta County Sheriff's Office highlighted the severity of the situation via an official post on Facebook, citing historical flood records. The office explained that the devastating 1911 flood, which obliterated most of the town's landmarks at the time, recorded a peak river height of only about 17.8 feet. In contrast, current forecasts indicate much higher levels, prompting authorities to describe the event as a "potential catastrophic flood," urging residents not included in strict evacuation orders to stay indoors for protection.

Emergency Measures in Arizona and Colorado

By sunset on Sunday, county spokesperson Vicki Schaefer reported that the river water had reached a recorded peak of approximately 14 feet. Precautionary measures were not limited to Colorado alone; local authorities in various parts of neighboring Arizona issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents. Continuous heavy rains caused the closure of many major highways, reflecting the scale of disruption caused by this exceptional weather phenomenon in the American Southwest.