An unusually moisture-rich storm system brought days of heavy rain to the Four Corners region a few days ago, triggering historic flooding across southwestern Colorado. Pagosa Springs was among the hardest-hit communities, where the San Juan River surged above flood stage, evacuations were ordered, and floodwaters damaged roads and other infrastructure.
Although the river did not reach its all-time record, it crested at its second-highest recorded level in Pagosa Springs, underscoring the severity of the event.
How much rain fell?
Due to an influx in tropical moisture, widespread precipitation hit Southwest Colorado. Rainfall varied considerably across the region. The NWS rain gauge at Stevens Field recorded approximately 2.7 inches during the initial period of heavy rain, while some nearby locations reported more than 5 inches over two days.
| Precipitation measurement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pagosa Springs — Stevens Field, initial storm period | About 2.7 inches |
| Pagosa Springs area — highest reported two-day CoCoRaHS total | 5.05 inches |
| Pagosa Springs area — reported two-day CoCoRaHS range | 3.81–5.05 inches |
| Average October precipitation, as reported by Pagosa Weather | 2.27 inches |
| Pagosa Airport — October 2025 storm total | 3.1 inches |
The figures cover different locations and measurement periods, so they are not direct station-to-station comparisons.
These totals show just how much water fell in a short period. However, they do not establish a new rainfall record for Stevens Field; a verified station record comparison is not available here.
The San Juan River reaches its second-highest recorded level
The San Juan River crested at approximately 15.02 feet early Friday, October 23, well above its flood stage of 10.5 feet. The crest surpassed the previous recorded high of 13.5 feet from June 1927, but remained below the all-time record of 17.8 feet set in October 1911.
Other waterways, including the Rio Blanco, Piedra and Navajo rivers, also rose significantly. The Town of Pagosa Springs declared a local disaster emergency, and mandatory evacuations were ordered in flood-prone areas along several rivers.
Roads and infrastructure damaged
The storm disrupted travel across southwestern Colorado. U.S. Highway 160 experienced closures and damage, including a failed culvert north of Pagosa Springs. Colorado Highway 151 south of Chimney Rock also sustained critical damage.
Impacts extended beyond Pagosa Springs, prompting road closures throughout the region. Travelers were urged to check conditions and follow updates from the Colorado Department of Transportation.
A reminder that flood risk doesn’t end with summer
Colorado can experience dangerous flooding well into autumn when powerful storm systems bring prolonged rainfall. Saturated soils, mountain runoff and melting snow can all contribute to rapidly rising waterways.
This event demonstrates why forecasters look beyond rainfall totals when assessing flood potential. How long rain persists, where it falls and how much water the landscape can absorb all influence the outcome.
For residents and travelers, the most important safety reminder is simple: never drive or walk through floodwater. Roads may be washed out or undermined beneath the surface, and even shallow moving water can be dangerous.
Southwestern Colorado’s late-October storm was a stark reminder of how quickly prolonged rain can threaten communities and critical infrastructure.