San Luis Valley 911

10/28/2026

10/27/2026

We are coming to the end of chasing peak flows from this historic storm through the San Luis Valley. All streamgages on the Conejos and Alamosa River systems have peaked.

The Rio Grande below Alamosa is still rising. As such, the Rio Grande at Lobatos Bridge also continues to rise. The Lobatos streamgage measures deliveries to New Mexico under the Rio Grande Compact.

The reservoirs are storing what they can and that water will be put to use next summer. The ditches are still diverting water for late season irrigation and aquifer recharge, which has helped lesson the flows through towns and reduced flooding (where possible).

Because the Rio Grande and Conejos River systems are saturated, water will drain out and we anticipate flows from the upper streamgages all the way to Lobatos will remain above normal for quite a while.

We will post more data about this storm, such as total reservoir storage, soon. Today, we are headed out to check on the status of construction projects that were close to wrapping up last week.

Photo: North Channel Conejos River near La Sauses Streamgage at peak flows of 1,420 cfs on 10/27/26. Credit - SLVWCD

10/26/2026

10/26/2026

Flood Water Safety -
Septic and sewage handling systems may be dysfunctional due to flood water in evacuated areas. Further guidance will be provided when re-entry is allowed.

Do not drink or wash with water from a flooded private well until the well has been inspected, disinfected, tested, and declared safe. All well water should be boiled before using until declared safe. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 3 minutes before cooking or drinking.

If water smells like fuel or chemicals, has an oily sheen, or may contain chemical contamination, do not boil or use it. Use bottled water and contact local public-health authorities.

Volunteer Romeo Fire Department

10/25/2026

10/25/2026

Evacuations remain in place in all designated areas and in the South Fork area. Please do not return home until mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted. While there is currently no estimated timeframe for reentry, crews are working diligently to ensure residents can return home as soon as it is safe to do so. Damage assessments will begin once emergency crews determine conditions are safe.

It is incredibly important to observe the mandatory evacuation order, as services and resources remain limited and re-entry has not begun.

Evacuation Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?fbclid=IwY2xjawVLM-tleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMVRSVmxFaHhsTWhOaWFycEhzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeY4A5grNTzq-gI1WetTghj5EVg2kS1WHXIQrqVU3Ct4fAQ5jHkPkad_P4T8Q_aem_vKFPHpEEybQya7tTowOHDA&mid=1Go1cN4rIY7tCsKaUFPl_SWspIWfGTKY&ll=37.62143047007642%2C-106.65329600000001&z=12

A Rio Grande and Mineral Counties Mid-October Flood community meeting is scheduled for October 26th, 2026, at 6pm at the New Hope Church at 25258 US-160 South Fork, CO 81154. The meeting will be live streamed on this page and no log-in is required. Stay connected

Photo - South Fork Evacuation Map

10/25/2026

NOTICE OF EVACUATION for all of MANASSA. All areas previously in pre-evacuation are now in mandatory evacuation status. Leave immediately. Be prepared to be away from your home for multiple days. Bring necessary medications, identification and important documents. Shelter is available at Knights of Columbus Hall, La Jara at 521 Spruce St. Small animals and livestock can be brought to La Jara Arena 17705 US-285, La Jara, CO 81140. Updates will be provided via conejoscounty.colorado.gov or the Conejos County Public Health and Sheriff's pages. For those who need assistance evacuating, call nonemergency dispatch 719 589 5807. To see a map of the evacuation area and road closures click the link below.
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/7187f0684bda45b3bf4e3b3576f0c97e
Ccso LE Conejos County Sheriff's Office

06/30/2026

Deactivation -
Marvin Lord has been safely located. Thank you for your assistance.

Activation -
63-year-old, white, male, Marvin Lord, brown hair and hazel eyes, 5'11"/180lbs, was last seen on June 27, 2026, at 11:30pm. Marvin was last known to be in the area of Fox Mountain on Wolf Creek Pass. Marvin's vehicle was located with his personal items inside in this area. Law enforcement is concerned for his safety. If seen, please clal 9-1-1 or the Mineral County Sheriff's Office at 719-589-5807.