Pagosa Springs Weather Alert: Flash Flood Risk as Heavy Rain Targets Southwest Colorado
PAGOSA SPRINGS, COLORADO — A surge of subtropical moisture is pushing into southwest Colorado, bringing the threat of heavy rainfall and flash flooding through early Sunday morning. The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the Eastern San Juan Mountains and the Upper Rio Grande Valley, warning residents and travelers to prepare for dangerous conditions overnight.
Heavy Rain and Flood Threat for Mountain Areas
Forecasters say the heaviest rain will fall on west-facing slopes of the Eastern San Juans, where 2 to 4 inches could accumulate in less than 36 hours. That rainfall total could cause flooding along U.S. Highway 160 and nearby mountain passes, including Wolf Creek and Cumbres Pass.
Meteorologists caution that the combination of saturated soils, steep terrain, and locally intense downpours could lead to rapid runoff, rockslides, and debris flows—especially near creeks, canyons, and burn scar areas. Hikers and motorists are advised to avoid low-lying areas and steep drainages until conditions improve.
Travel and Safety Precautions
Emergency managers in Archuleta County warn that even normally dry washes could flood quickly as heavy rain moves in. Residents living near rivers or flood-prone zones should prepare to move to higher ground if alerts are upgraded to warnings.
Drivers traveling across the Continental Divide late Friday night or Saturday should monitor CDOT road alerts for potential closures or delays. Officials also remind the public to stay away from flooded roadways and never attempt to drive through moving water, as even shallow flooding can be life-threatening.
Outlook: Conditions Improve by Early Sunday
The moisture plume responsible for the rainfall is expected to move eastward by early Sunday, with precipitation tapering off before sunrise. However, lingering showers may continue near the Continental Divide through the morning hours.
Cooler, drier weather is forecast to return by Monday, offering some relief after the wet weekend. Still, officials emphasize that soil instability and runoff hazards may persist briefly even after rainfall subsides.
Stay connected with NapervilleLocal.com for ongoing weather coverage, regional alerts, and safety updates throughout Colorado and beyond.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.