The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flood Warning for southeastern La Plata County in southwestern Colorado on October 23, 2026. The warning was in effect from 7:47 AM MDT until 10:00 AM MDT. It cited small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall, with local law enforcement reporting ongoing flooding in the area.

Between 1.5 and 2 inches of rain had fallen by the time the warning was issued. This led to flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying areas. Numerous roads were closed due to flooding, and road washouts were occurring. Streams and dry washes continued to rise from excess runoff. Waterways affected included Bear Creek, Pinos River, Spring Creek, Little Bear Creek, Salt Creek, Ute Creek, Dry Creek, Hayden Creek, and Rock Creek.

The flooding in La Plata County was part of a larger weather event impacting southwestern Colorado. Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency due to flooding across multiple counties. These counties included La Plata, Archuleta, Montezuma, Dolores, Hinsdale, San Miguel, Ouray, San Juan, Mineral, Alamosa, and Rio Grande. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued in Archuleta County due to surging waters along the San Juan River.

Road infrastructure in La Plata County experienced significant issues. A culvert failure caused part of County Road 509 near Dry Creek to collapse, and other county roads were shut. A pre-evacuation order was issued for the North Vallecito area in La Plata County around 6 p.m.. In Archuleta County, several roads were closed, including County Road 500, North Pagosa Boulevard near Gate 5, parts of Colorado Highway 151, and streets in downtown Pagosa Springs.

River levels in the region were elevated. A river gauge on the Animas River in La Plata County, near New Mexico, indicated that the river was expected to exceed its minor flood stage of 10.5 feet. Upstream in Durango, the Animas River was forecast to rise within an inch of its minor flood stage of 8 feet. In response to the widespread flooding, the American Red Cross of Western Colorado opened evacuation shelters at the La Plata County Fairgrounds in Durango and the Pagosa Lakes Property HOA Clubhouse in Pagosa Springs. La Plata County also made sandbags available to residents to help protect properties from potential flood damage.