Denver7 — News
03/11/2026 13:17

Gov. Jared Polis provides update on flooding in Southwest Colorado

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis provided an update on the state's response to severe flooding in the southwest portion of the state following more rainfall on Sunday night.

Related: Mandatory evacuations and closures continue amid flooding in southwest Colorado

The governor's office said state agencies have been working around the clock to conduct search-and-rescue operations, assess damage, restore transportation and much more.

Watch below: Coverage of the flooding in Southwest Colorado

Mandatory evacuations and closures continue amid flooding in southwest Colorado

According to the governor's office, officials will continue to assess damage as floodwaters recede following the second round of flooding. The San Juan River in Pagosa Springs crested at 16.81 feet, below the highest forecast levels, but significant flooding still occurred across multiple watersheds.

Below are the impacts identified so far, and they expect additional damage to be documented as crews gain access to affected areas.

US Highway 160: The Piedra River Bridge at mile marker (MM) 121, west of Pagosa Springs, sustained significant damage after its piers collapsed. The bridge will need to be rebuilt, and CDOT is working to install a temporary bridge. Additional damage and travel restrictions have been reported along US 160 at Wolf Creek Pass. Colorado Highway 151: Floodwaters washed out portions of the highway near MM 27 and MM 30, cutting off access. CDOT is assessing repairs and temporary access options. Colorado Highway 17: A section of the highway near MM 3, along the route connecting Antonito to Chama, New Mexico, is washed out. Local bridges and roads: A bridge located on County Road 202 has been destroyed, affecting access to eight parcels. Additional road damage and closures have been reported across Archuleta, La Plata, Rio Grande, and Conejos counties. Communications: Cellular service has been restored in Archuleta County. Flood damage temporarily disrupted cellular service in Archuleta County and surrounding areas, affecting residents' ability to communicate and access emergency services. Utilities: Flooding has damaged natural gas infrastructure, including a pipeline near the Piedra River. Emergency repairs and temporary measures to provide service in affected areas have been provided, with additional assessments ongoing.

Coloradans living in the southwest part of our state have endured devastating flooding and my heart goes out to everyone whose home, business, or community has been impacted. I want to thank our local authorities, first responders, National Guard members, and emergency crews who have been working non-stop since this disaster began to keep people safe," Polis said in a statement. "Colorado is working around the clock alongside our local partners to assess last nights impacts, restore essential services, and repair damaged infrastructure. I also thank Southwestern County Clerks who are working hard to ensure Coloradans impacted by this flooding are able to successfully vote in todays election."

Watch below: Past Denver7 coverage of the flooding in Southwest Colorado

Rio Grande floods, mandatory evacuations

So far, the Colorado National Guard has rescued more than 50 people, over 20 dogs and several cats from impacted areas. FEMAs 17-member Colorado Task Force 1 swift-water rescue team has been activated to support operations in the San Luis Valley, according to the governor's office.

The Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (COVOAD) and other state agencies are supporting local shelters, medical facilities, emergency supplies, and providing assistance people displaced or isolated by flooding.

CDOT crews are also inspecting damaged bridges and highways, and the Federal Highway Administration has approved $6.5 million in emergency funding, alongside $5 million from the Colorado Transportation Commission.

On Saturday, Polis requested a presidential major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump, saying that there has been nearly $27 million in preliminary public infrastructure damaged in Archuleta and Rio Grande counties. That estimate does not include private property damage or additional impacts from Sunday's flooding.

Below are resources for affected Coloradans, from the governor's office.

Sign up for emergency alerts: Sign up to receive emergency alerts in your area. Assistance, shelter and temporary lodging information: Call 2-1-1, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or visit 211 Colorados disaster response page. Road conditions and closures: Visit COtrip.org or use the COtrip Planner app. Learn how to be flood ready and stay safe during a flood: Never walk or drive through floodwaters, debris, or around barricades. Return to evacuated areas only when local officials say it is safe. Find tips for staying safe during floods and what to do when you are under a flood warning at Ready.gov/floods. Volunteer cleanup assistance: Call Crisis Cleanup at 970-283-7325 to request free volunteer help or visit Colorado 211 website for a list of resources at https://www.211colorado.org/disaster-response/. Local updates, damage-reporting links and additional resources: Visit DHSEMs regularly updated State Emergency Operation Center Daily Status Report page . Immediate emergencies: Call 911.
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