Spring Creek Reservoir Severe Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories
FLOOD WARNING
Begins: 10:27 AM Tue, Oct 14, 2025
Expires: 9:00 PM Tue, Oct 14, 2025
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Colorado... San Juan River at Pagosa Springs affecting Archuleta County. For the San Juan River...including Bluff, Pagosa Springs...Moderate flooding is forecast. * WHAT...Moderate flooding is occurring. * WHERE...San Juan River at Pagosa Springs. * WHEN...Until late this evening. * IMPACTS...At 11.0 feet, water will approach the area around the River Center shopping complex in Pagosa Springs. Inundation of sections of Hermosa Street and low land areas adjacent to the river can be expected. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 10:00 AM MDT Tuesday the stage was 12.4 feet. - Bankfull stage is 8.5 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the past 24 hours was 12.8 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to fall below flood stage late this afternoon and continue falling to 5.5 feet Tuesday, October 21. - Flood stage is 10.5 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
FLOOD WARNING
Begins: 12:59 PM Mon, Oct 13, 2025
Expires: 12:00 AM Wed, Oct 15, 2025
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues. * WHERE...A portion of southwest Colorado, including the following counties, Archuleta, Hinsdale, La Plata and San Juan. North of Vallecito Reservoir. * WHEN...Until midnight MDT Tuesday Night. * IMPACTS...Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 1259 PM MDT, Emergency management reported flooding north of Vallecito Reservoir. River gauges above the reservoir are beginning to respond upward with the recent rainfall and they should peak during the late evening to early morning hours. - Additional rainfall amounts of 1.5 to 2.5 inches are possible in the warned area. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Vallecito. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
FLOOD WARNING
Begins: 12:19 PM Mon, Oct 13, 2025
Expires: 3:00 PM Wed, Oct 15, 2025
Another round of heavy rainfall on top of already saturated conditions will allow the tributaries of the Piedra River to quickly rise and runoff into the main stem of the river over the next 24 hours. The main stem of the Piedra is expected to rise to bankfull or higher in many low lying areas with a crest arriving to near Navajo Reservoir by Tuesday afternoon. * WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...A portion of southwest Colorado, including the following counties, Archuleta and Hinsdale. * WHEN...Until 300 PM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. Mud and debris flow along Highway 151 is also possible due to moderate to heavy rainfall rates. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 1219 PM MDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain. Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen and another 1 to 2 inches is possible across the Piedra Basin through early Tuesday. - This includes the following streams and drainages... Ignacio Creek, Piedra River, Middle Fork Piedra River, Indian Creek, Davis Creek, Weminuche Creek, Sand Creek, Devil Creek, Stollsteimer Creek, Williams Creek and First Fork Piedra River. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Areas along the main stem of the Piedra River from far southern Hinsdale county through Western Archuleta County to the confluence with Navajo Reservoir. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
FLOOD WATCH
Begins: 1:38 PM Tue, Oct 14, 2025
Expires: 12:00 AM Wed, Oct 15, 2025
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible if thunderstorms track over saturated soils this afternoon and evening. * WHERE...A portion of southwest Colorado, including the following areas, Animas River Basin, San Juan River Basin and Southwest San Juan Mountains. * WHEN...Until midnight MDT tonight. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Widespread rainfall has ended but stronger storms may be capable of producing localized flash flooding this afternoon and evening. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
What is the difference between a weather warning, watch and advisory?
The National Weather Service issues alerts in different categories to indicate the severity of storms and if the public should take immediate action to prevent the loss of life or property or be aware of the potential of the same.
Weather Warning
A weather warning is issued when severe weather conditions are occuring or imminent and there is danger to life and/or property. The warning will include what action should be taken including evacuation or shelter in place and should be heeded immediately. Warnings are usually issued for a small, specific area and for a definite period of time.
Weather Watch
A weather watch is an alert issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather. A weather watch means that severe weather is possible in the area, so it is important to stay tuned to the latest forecasts and be prepared for potential storms.
The purpose of a weather watch is to provide advance warning to people in the affected area so that they can take necessary precautions. It is important to remember that a weather watch does not mean that severe weather will definitely occur, but simply that there is a higher chance of it happening.
If you live in an area where severe weather is common, it may be wise to have a plan in place for what you will do if a storm hits. Make sure you have plenty of food and water stored, as well as flashlights, batteries, and other supplies. You may also want to consider evacuating if necessary.
Weather Advisory
An advisory means the conditions are likely to occur. These are typically used for less severe weather events like frost or winds but can be used for other types of severe weather.
What is a Red Flag Warning?
A red flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service to inform the public, firefighters, and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fires and any fire which does start could spread rapidly. These are often issued after drought conditions, when humidity is very low and especially when there are high or erratic winds. The possibility of lightning is also a determining factor. Fire fighting agencies often will increase their staffing and equipment resources due to the forecast risk. For the public, a Red Flag Warning often means high fire danger leading to restrictions or bans on outdoor burning including burn piles, burn barrels and campfires. Use of anything which may produce sparks, including outdoor lawn equipment, chainsaws and welding, may be restricted or prohibited.
The weather criteria for fire weather watches and red flag warnings vary with each Weather Service office’s warning area based on the local vegetation type, topography, and distance from major water sources. They usually include the daily vegetation moisture content calculations, expected afternoon high temperature, afternoon minimum relative humidity and daytime wind speed.
An enhanced version of the warning, called extreme red flag warning, may be issued. This means that conditions for fire growth and behavior are extremely dangerous due to a combination of strong winds, very low humidity, long duration, and very dry fuels.
