Health & Safety
United States · Direct U.S. connection
San Juan River Experiences Major Flooding in New Mexico, Prompting Evacuations
A Flood Warning remains in effect for the San Juan River at Shiprock, New Mexico, as major flooding impacts communities. Evacuation alerts have been issued, and emergency services are conducting rescues following historic rainfall.
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THE PRIMARY BRIEF
- 01 · The primary finding
Major flooding is occurring and forecast for the San Juan River at Shiprock, New Mexico, leading to widespread evacuations and rescue operations. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning until October 26, and Navajo Nation officials have issued evacuation alerts.
- 02 · The primary evidence
A Flood Warning from the National Weather Service indicates "Major flooding is occurring and major flooding is forecast" for the San Juan River at Shiprock until October 26. Navajo Nation officials have issued evacuation alerts for families near the river, and San Juan County Emergency Management reported 20 rescues and urged 600 homes to evacuate in the Farmington and Shiprock areas.
- 03 · Why it matters
The ongoing major flooding poses significant safety risks to residents and infrastructure, necessitating immediate evacuations and straining local emergency resources. The prolonged warning and potential for further rainfall suggest continued hazards for the affected communities.
A Flood Warning from the National Weather Service (NWS) Albuquerque continues for the San Juan River at Shiprock, New Mexico. Issued on October 24 at 4:11 PM MDT, the warning is expected to last until late Sunday night, October 26. Major flooding is occurring and is forecast, with the NWS anticipating catastrophic impacts at and near Shiprock. The river is likely near its crest, around or just above 22 feet, which is significantly higher than the bankfull stage of 13.5 feet. The last observed maximum river stage was 21.2 feet in the 24 hours ending Saturday at 4:00 AM MDT.
On Friday night, the San Juan River at Shiprock reached 17.3 feet, exceeding its 15.5-foot flood stage. Forecasters had predicted the river would peak at 20.7 feet late Saturday morning, just above the major flood stage of 20.5 feet. This event marks flooding not seen in generations, with water levels reaching historic highs. Upstream in Farmington, the river recorded 14.1 feet on Friday, surpassing a previous record of 12.3 feet set in 1909.
Widespread flooding has led to evacuations and numerous road closures across San Juan County. Approximately 600 homes in the Farmington and Shiprock areas were urged to evacuate. San Juan County Emergency Management has conducted 20 rescues in these areas. Police have warned families along the river from Farmington west through Upper Fruitland, Nenahnezad, San Juan Chapter, Hogback, and Shiprock to Montezuma Creek, Utah. San Juan County officials advise residents to heed emergency alerts and evacuate before rising floodwaters become life-threatening.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren and Shiprock Chapter Vice President Debra Yazzie have issued evacuation alerts for families living near the river. Shelters have been established in Shiprock at locations such as Power House Church and First Baptist. Navajo Police Deputy Chief Kee noted that emergency response resources are "stretched a little thin" due to the extensive flooding. Heavy rainfall, combined with snowmelt from the mountains, has been identified as a cause of the severe flooding. San Juan County Emergency Management has warned that while some floodwaters may recede, more rain is anticipated, and rivers are expected to rise again.
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