La Plata County Government

10/24/2026

October Rain Event Update 10/24/26 - 10:00 a.m.
There are still several road closures around the county that our crews are working on. CR 213 is open, our crews worked into the night to clear the culvert and the debris. For an updated list of road closures please visit: https://www.lpcgov.org/departments/road_and_bridge/index.php

The Animas River will remain closed until Sunday, per the La Plata County Sheriff's Office via State Statute authority.

We are expecting more periodic thunderstorms throughout today. There is still sand and sandbags at the following locations, please bring your own shovel.
La Plata County Fairgrounds, Upper Pine Stations 1 and 4, Los Pinos Station 1 and Fort Lewis Mesa Station 1.

To receive emergency alerts, find the sign-up link on www.readylaplata.org

10/23/2026

Travel Alert! ⚠
CR 213 is closed near the 550 intersection, at mile marker 4. Flooding on the road with standing water; please avoid this area and find an alternate route.
Please visit www.cotrip.org or CDOT News | Southwestern Colorado for updates on State Highways.

Reports regarding traffic incidents, winter road conditions, traffic cameras, active and planned construction, etc.

10/23/2026

10/23/2026

⚠️ RIVER CLOSURE ALERT: Due to safety concerns, the La Plata County Sheriff's Office has enacted a temporary closure of the Animas River under state authority. All boating is suspended until conditions are deemed safe. Please stay OFF the river! Law enforcement will enforce this.
We will let you know when the order is lifted. We know this is a bummer, but this is a public safety concern.

10/23/2026

Multiple road closures around the region, please check www.cotrip.org before you head out today.

10/23/2026

Vallecito Residents are now in Pre-Evacuation Status!

Vallecito Creek has reached a flow of 3,200 cubic feet per second (cfs), which meets the threshold for issuing pre evacuation orders. Pre evacuation orders are now in effect for North Vallecito Zones 1–4. Residents can view zone maps and confirm their evacuation area at https://readylaplata.org .
If Vallecito Creek reaches 4,200 cfs, the threshold for full evacuations, evacuation orders will be issued through LPC Alerts. Current projections indicate the creek may reach this level at approximately 1:00 a.m. Friday morning.
An overnight shelter at La Plata county Fairgrounds is currently open for residents who wish to evacuate now. The La Plata County Fairgrounds is located at 2500 Main Avenue in Durango. Small household pets are permitted; owners should bring carriers, food, and other necessary supplies.
The emergency call center is open for questions or assistance. The call center number is 970 385 8700.
Please prepare your evacuation “go kit” now. Your kit should contain everything you need to be away from home for at least 48 hours. Be sure to include:
• All necessary medications
• Phone and charger
• Pet supplies (food, carrier, leash, etc.)
• Clothing for two days
• Hygiene and grooming items
• Sleeping bag, pillow and other comfort items needed for sleeping on a cot
• Any essential personal documents or items you may need
Residents are reminded to never drive through flooded roadways. Turn around—don’t drown.
Flooded roads may be deeper than they appear and can hide debris, washed out pavement, or strong currents. If you encounter water over the road, turn around and find another route.
Sign up for emergency alerts at https://lpcgov.org/lpcalerts

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

Pre‑Evacuation Order Issued for Junction Creek Mobile Home Park! 🚨
The La Plata County Sheriff’s Office has issued a pre‑evacuation order for residents of the Junction Creek Mobile Home Park at 535 County Road 204 due to flooding in the area. Residents are urged to prepare for the possibility of a full evacuation and to take steps now to ensure their safety. Please prepare your evacuation “go kit” now. Your kit should contain everything you need to be away from home for at least 48 hours. Be sure to include:

-All necessary medications
-Phone and charger, necessary keys
-Clothing for two days
-Hygiene and grooming items
-Sleeping bag, pillow and other comfort items needed for sleeping on a cot
-Any essential personal documents or items you may need

La Plata County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 2500 Main Avenue in Durango, has been established as an overnight shelter for residents. Small household pets are permitted at the shelter; owners should bring carriers, food, medications, and any necessary pet supplies.

The La Plata County Sheriff's Office will provide transportation from Junction Creek Mobile Home Park to La Plata County Fairgrounds for any residents who need assistance. Transportation will be conducted using a marked La Plata County Senior Services bus. Sheriff’s Deputies will be onsite at the Junction Mobile Home park to assist as needed.

A map of the pre‑evacuation area will be available at https://readylaplata.org.

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

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

Pre-evacuations for Vallecito Residents! 🚨

Due to recent heavy rains, a majority of La Plata County is under a flood warning, with additional heavy rainfall expected over the next three days. Pre‑evacuations in North Vallecito are anticipated. Pre‑evacuation orders will be issued through LPC Alerts if Vallecito Creek reaches 3,200 cfs. As of 5 p.m., the creek is flowing at 2,700 cfs. Full evacuation orders will be issued if flows reach 4,200 cfs, which is currently forecasted to occur around midnight Thursday.

A map of the pre‑evacuation area will be available at https://readylaplata.org under the tab “Vallecito Rain Event”. Bayfield High School (800 CR 501) has been designated as the overnight shelter in the case of an evacuation. Small household pets will be allowed.

If pre‑evacuation orders are issued, the emergency call center will open for questions or assistance. The call center number is 970‑385‑8700.

Please prepare your evacuation “go kit” now. Your kit should contain everything you need to be away from home for at least 48 hours. Be sure to include:

-All necessary medications
-Phone and charger
-Pet supplies (food, carrier, leash, etc.)
-Clothing for two days
-Hygiene and grooming items
-Sleeping bag, pillow and other comfort items needed for sleeping on a cot
-Any essential personal documents or items you may need

Residents are reminded to never drive through flooded roadways. Turn around—don’t drown.

Flooded roads may be deeper than they appear and can hide debris, washed‑out pavement, or strong currents. If you encounter water over the road, turn around and find another route.

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

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

Travel Alert! ⚠ Multiple County Roads are closed!
County Road 309A is currently closed ¼ mile north of County Road 310. County Road 334 is currently closed at 5962 County Road 334. County Road 520 on the west end, near Dry Creek has lost a culvert and the road has collapsed. All are due to flooding, mud, and debris on the roadway caused by heavy rain.

Crews are also advising extreme caution around County Road 513 near the intersection of County Road 510. Please go around this area if possible. There is road damage but it is drivable in 1 lane.

Road and Bridge crews are on site and working as quickly and safely as possible to clear the debris and restore access but peak flooding is expected to hit overnight and into Friday.
Residents are encouraged to avoid the area, follow posted detours, and use caution when traveling near impacted zones. Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways or standing water. Motorists should be prepared for additional safety closures in other areas of the region where significant flooding is creating roadway hazards.