After days of steady rain, much of Montezuma County is soaked — but largely unscathed by the dangers experienced nearby.
The storm that moved across Southwest Colorado brought near-record rainfall to parts of the region over the weekend. Heavy rain drenched the La Plata Mountains and areas near Durango, where 383 homes in northern Vallecito were evacuated after a flood breached Vallecito Creek levees and other waterways.
The Upper Pine River Fire Protection District, La Plata County Sheriff’s Office, and county road and bridge crews responded to assist with evacuations, clear debris from streams, and deliver sandbags. The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the area through Tuesday and forecasted an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain between Saturday and Monday.
Rain gauges in Durango recorded more than 2.5 inches over 72 hours. In Vallecito, gauges recorded 3 to 4.8 inches.
Flooding in the high country prompted San Juan County officials to close South Mineral Road near Silverton, as rising creek levels and debris made travel unsafe. In an online post, the county sheriff urged residents and visitors to avoid backcountry roads and river areas through the weekend and to travel only if necessary.
Rockfall and boulders were also reported along U.S. Highway 550’s Red Mountain Pass, and crews assisted stranded hikers near the South Mineral Campground and Ice Lakes area.
For the Four Corners region, the National Weather Service’s flood watch remains in effect through early Sunday. The NWS forecast calls for a 70% chance of showers and scattered thunderstorms through Saturday evening, with lower chances of rain and cooler temperatures Sunday morning. More rain is likely next week.
Three days of rain totaled 1.5 inches in Dolores, 0.69 inches in Cortez, and 1 inch in Mancos.
By Saturday afternoon in Dolores, puddles filled driveways and dirt roads, and water pooled in street curbs near a few businesses — like GST Liquors. Otherwise, outdoor recreation and travel continued.
Across the San Juan Mountains, rain mixed with fall color. Fog gathered on mountain peaks, and aspen clones glowed gold through the mist. Travelers pulled off at bridges and scenic overlooks despite intermittent showers. Many cars had out-of-state plates — leaf-peepers aiming to capture the last bits of a colorful season.
Rain eased briefly Saturday afternoon, with moisture totals reaching record levels in some parts of the state. Grand Junction, for instance, logged 1.35 inches of rain Saturday morning, more than doubling its previous record from 1969.
