San Juan County, UT

Alerts

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Alerts are listed in order of start time and level of severity. Click on the alert title to read details for each alert.

In effect from Sunday 11/01 5:00 AM MST – Monday 11/02 11:00 AM MST

Issued by NWS Grand Junction CO

What

Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

Where

Portions of southwest Colorado, including the following areas, Animas River Basin, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, San Juan River Basin and Southwest San Juan Mountains and southeast Utah, including the following areas, Canyonlands/Natural Bridges, La Sal and Abajo Mountains and Southeast Utah.

When

From Sunday morning through Monday morning.

Impacts

Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, recently burned areas, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris.

Additional Details

- 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected across portions of southeast Utah and southwest Colorado from Sunday morning through Monday morning over soils that are still saturated from recent rainfall and flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

What to Do

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.


Areas Impacted

  • Southwest San Juan Mountains
  • Four Corners/Upper Dolores River
  • Animas River Basin
  • San Juan River Basin
  • Southeast Utah
  • La Sal and Abajo Mountains
  • Canyonlands/Natural Bridges

Tips to Stay Safe

A Flood Watch means the area may experience a dangerous flooding event, and being prepared may save lives and property. 

  • Be aware of low-lying areas along your travel routes that are most likely to flood. 
  • Check your home’s emergency supplies, and make sure all members of the household know your emergency plan. 
  • Stay tuned for local weather updates on the situation as it develops.

If a Flood Warning is issued, it means that dangerous flooding is expected or already happening. 

  • Never walk, swim, or drive through flood waters or flooded roads. 
  • Stay away from areas where water levels can rise rapidly, like storm drains, culverts, creeks and streams. 

If your home is likely to flood, or if authorities tell you to evacuate, do so immediately and move to higher ground. 

In effect from Thursday 10/29 10:53 AM MDT – Friday 10/30 3:00 PM MDT

Issued by NWS Grand Junction CO

ESFGJT

Low pressure begins to dig southward from the PACNW on Friday, tapping into a fetch of Pacific moisture that will evolve into an atmospheric river streaming into the Desert Southwest this weekend. Showers and thunderstorms develop on Friday and Saturday across the region. Lighter rainfall totals Friday and Saturday will reflect, initially lower, moisture. However, a few thunderstorms could produce impactful downpours on saturated soils left over from last weekend's historic rainfall.

Deeper moisture develops Saturday night and early Sunday. This is expected to produce heavier and more widespread rainfall across southeast UT and southwest CO Sunday and Monday, mostly below 10000 feet. While rivers are forecast to remain below action stage, a growing concern lies in the potential for runoff around saturated hillsides in the region. This could produce rock, mud, and debris flows onto roadways, as well as flash flood prone burn scars, washes, slot canyons, and arroyos. Early estimates predict an area of 1 to 2 inches of new rainfall for portions of southeast UT and southwest CO.

This is a preliminary forecast that hinges on slight shifts in a strong moisture plume impacting the region. It also attempts to capture the most statistically likely outcome, despite stronger and weaker outlier predictions. Outdoor enthusiasts, motorists, and residents of recent flood impacted areas are encouraged to remain abreast of the developing forecast in the coming days.


Areas Impacted

  • Archuleta, CO
  • Dolores, CO
  • La Plata, CO
  • Montezuma, CO
  • San Miguel, CO
  • San Juan, UT

Briefings

No recent briefing available

From the Forecaster

Weather Story

Created by the NWS Grand Junction WFO

Wet weather returns to the region this weekend as Pacific moisture moves in from the southwest. Look for showers and thunderstorms from late this afternoon through Saturday leading to localized flash flooding in the heavier storms. Then widespread heavy rain is possible Sunday with a Flood Watch in effect on and south of the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado and the La Sal Mountains in southeastern Utah. High mountain passes along and south of I-70 may see winter driving conditions Sunday night and Monday.

Slide shows a notebook with note jotted down saying wet weather returns this weekend. On the left is a graphic showing the expected rain totals from showers and thunderstorms tonight and tomorrow. On the right are graphics showing rain totals for Sunday and Monday and showing where the Flood Watch is in effect.

Friday Flash Flood Potential

Created by the NWS Salt Lake City WFO

Tropical moisture will return to the area beginning Friday, bringing an increased risk of flash flooding, particularly to southwest Utah. Those with outdoor plans in the threat area Friday should consider alternate plans and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.

An information graphic from the National Weather Service Salt Lake City, UT titled "Flash Flood Potential - Friday (10/30)".   Key Messages:Southwest Utah (including Zion National Park and St. George) is under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 4) of flash flooding Friday (10/30).   Much of the rest of the southeastern half of Utah will be under a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 4) of flash flooding during that time.   Main areas of concern include recent burn scars, normally dry washes, steep terrain, and slot canyons. Recent rain is resulting in higher than usual flows, enhancing the threat.   Preparedness:If you encounter flooded roadways, turn around, don’t drown!   Those with outdoor plans should monitor the weather and have multiple ways to receive warnings.

Seven-day Weather Risk Overview

The graphic shows the daily risk summary for 7 days. Daily risk is based on highest risk factor for that day.

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