Durango Police

10/23/2026

PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT: ANIMAS RIVER CLOSURE
Friday, October 23, 2026

The Durango Police Department is announcing a temporary closure of the Animas River to recreational boating and floating within the city limits due to ongoing flooding and hazardous river conditions.

Effective at 10:00 AM, the restriction applies to the Animas River from Oxbow Park to Dallabetta Park.

Heavy rainfall and flooding have created dangerous conditions, including powerful currents, rapidly changing water levels, and the potential for debris and other hazards. These conditions pose a serious threat to public safety.

This restriction prohibits recreational boating and floating within the designated area, including rafting, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and tubing.

This restriction is being issued pursuant to the Colorado Revised Statute.

These provisions authorize law enforcement officers to restrict recreational watercraft operations when documented emergency conditions create a hazard to human life or safety.

Violating a lawfully issued river-use restriction may result in a civil citation.

What We Need From the Public
• Do not enter the river for recreational boating or floating.
• Stay away from flooded riverbanks and restricted access points.
• Keep children and pets away from the water.
• Do not attempt to cross flooded trails, roads, or low-water crossings.
• Follow posted closure signs and instructions from emergency personnel.

The restriction will remain in effect through October 24, 2026, at 3:00 AM or when the water level drops below 7 feet or 7200 CFS, subject to reassessment. The Durango Police Department and emergency management partners will continue monitoring conditions and provide updates as information becomes available.

We understand the Animas River is an important part of life in Durango. However, current conditions present serious risks, even to experienced river users.

No recreational activity is worth risking your life or the lives of the first responders who may be called to rescue you.

Thank you for helping us keep our community safe.

Durango Police Department
Protect • Serve • Care

10/23/2026

🚨 VALLECITO RESIDENTS: PLEASE TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY.

If you’re in North Vallecito Zones 1–4, now is the time to prepare, not when an evacuation order is issued. Water levels are rising, and conditions could worsen overnight.

Pack your go-bag, charge your phones, prepare your pets, and have a plan to leave quickly. An overnight shelter is already open at the La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Avenue in Durango.

⚠️ Never drive through flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown.

📲 Sign up for emergency alerts: https://lpcgov.org/lpcalerts

📍 Check your evacuation zone: https://readylaplata.org

PLEASE SHARE THIS POST. Someone you know may live in the affected area and might not have seen this warning. Let’s help make sure our neighbors get the information they need to stay safe.

Durango PD | Protect • Serve • Care

LPC Alerts is a public emergency alert system used to notify residents about emergency situations in their area such as wildfires, flooding or hazardous weather that might impact only certain parts of the county.

10/23/2026

LPC Alerts is a public emergency alert system used to notify residents about emergency situations in their area such as wildfires, flooding or hazardous weather that might impact only certain parts of the county.

10/22/2026

🌧️ More rain is on the way, Durango!

Mother Nature apparently isn't finished watering Southwest Colorado, so now is the time to prepare, not when the water is already at your doorstep.

La Plata County is offering FREE sandbags and sand at several self-service locations, including the La Plata County Fairgrounds.

⚠️ A few reminders from DPD:

* Never drive through flooded roads. Turn around, don't drown.
* Watch for mudslides, falling rocks, and debris on roadways.
* Slow down, increase your following distance, and use your headlights.
* If your property is prone to flooding, prepare now.

📲 Sign up for emergency alerts: www.lpcgov.org/LPCAlerts

Please take a moment to read and share La Plata County's post below. A little preparation now can prevent a much bigger problem later.

Stay safe, Durango. We prefer our adventures on the river, not in the middle of Main Avenue. 🌧️

MORE BIG RAIN IS FORECASTED!
The National Weather Service is predicting heavy rains in the region over the next several days. La Plata County has sandbags available at no charge for county residents to assist property owners in protecting their property from potential flood damage in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
The sand and sandbags are available at the listed locations below and are on a self-serve basis; shovels may be provided, but residents are advised to bring their own in case none are available. Sand and bags are available 24 hours a day at:
•La Plata County Fairgrounds and Event Center (north lot near the rodeo arena), 2500 Main Ave., Durango
•Upper Pine River Fire Protection Station 1, 75 South Clover Dr., Bayfield AND Upper Pine Fire Protection District Station 4, 80 W Vallecito Creek Rd., Bayfield
•Los Pinos Fire District Station 1, 275 Browning Ave, Ignacio, CO 81137
•Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Department Station 1, 164 County Road 130, Hesperus, CO 81326

Rainfall could cause mudslides and loosen other large objects and debris throughout the region, and drivers should be aware of these potential road hazards. To report road damage, please call (970) 382-6413 or fill out a road repair request form on the La Plata County website at: https://www.co.laplata.co.us/departments/road_and_bridge/repair_request_form.php

Sign up for LPC Alerts to get emergency alerts that may affect you at: www.lpcgov.org/LPCAlerts

10/21/2026

THIS SATURDAY: DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Clean out the medicine cabinet and bring your unused or expired medications to the Durango Police Department for safe, anonymous disposal.

📅 Saturday, Oct. 24
🕙 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

📍 Durango Police Headquarters, 990 E. 2nd Ave
📍 Durango Police Sub-Station, 545 Wilson Gulch Dr

We’re also collecting donations for Manna Durango, including non-perishable canned goods and hygiene products.

One stop. Two ways to help your community.

Learn more about Drug Take Back Day at DEATakeBack.com

10/20/2026

🐦 SOMEONE CALL AN ORNITHOLOGIST. WE FOUND A RARE SPECIES.

Ranger Mango thought he heard an interesting bird call. After a little investigating, he discovered something much more unusual.

A Ranger Tosh. In its natural habitat. Hiding in the bushes. 😂

Apparently, Tosh has been practicing his bird calls and is ready to share some real bird knowledge with the rest of us!

🐦 Bird Behavior & Identification with Ranger Tosh
📅 Thursday, October 22
🕖 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
📍 Durango Recreation Center

Learn about bird behavior, how to identify different species, and who's making all that noise in the trees.

Whether you're an experienced birdwatcher or just curious about our feathered neighbors, come join us!

No binoculars required. But you might want to keep an eye on the bushes. 👀

10/12/2026

Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Honoring the Past, Respecting the Present, Building the Future

Today, the Durango Police Department joins our community in recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Durango sits on the ancestral homelands of the Ute people. We recognize and honor the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and the many Indigenous people whose histories, cultures, and contributions continue to shape our region.

This day is an opportunity to listen, learn, and reflect on the history of Indigenous communities, including the hardships they have endured, while celebrating their resilience, traditions, and lasting contributions.

As a police department, we recognize that trust is built through actions, not just words. We remain committed to treating every person with dignity, strengthening relationships, and serving our community with fairness, compassion, and respect.

Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day means more than acknowledging history. It means recognizing the people, cultures, and communities who are very much part of our present and future.