Overview
- Multiple rounds of heavy rain and snowmelt drove repeated surges of the San Juan River that overtopped defenses and tore homes from their foundations.
- Local officials estimate roughly 10 to 15 homes were destroyed and about 50 people plus 100 animals were evacuated during the flooding.
- Emergency response teams, including the Colorado National Guard, county search-and-rescue crews and volunteers, conducted door-to-door welfare checks, helicopter rescues and animal saves.
- At least one person died in floodwaters and a second death is suspected, while roads, bridges, riverwalks and wastewater infrastructure were heavily damaged or washed out.
- The storms dumped enormous totals across the Four Corners region, leaving mud-covered neighborhoods and signaling a lengthy cleanup, extensive damage assessments, and urgent calls for state or federal aid.