Why is southwestern Colorado seeing floods and historic rain totals? Two different tropical systems are responsible
Flooding, mud and debris flows will be possible Monday across the southwestern portion of Colorado.
This is the second round of tropical remnants to impact the state since Friday. The first was what once was Hurricane Priscilla, which brought impressive rainfall to the Western Slope and San Juan Mountains.
A few notable totals include:
- Wolf Creek Pass — 6.30 inches
- Weminuche — 5.60 inches
- Vallecito — 5.20 inches
- Stump Lakes — 5.00 inches
- Pagosa Springs Airport — 3.10 inches
- Durango Airport — 2.50 inches
Grand Junction also picked up 2.01 inches of rain from Friday into Saturday, marking the city's fifth wettest two-day rainfall total on record. None of the other top five events has occurred within the last 50 years.
What makes this even more impressive is that another tropical system is bringing more rain. The remnants of what once was Tropical Storm Raymond will move across Colorado Monday into early Tuesday, with another 1 to 3 inches of rain expected depending on elevation and location across the high country.
Flood Watches and Warnings
Flood Watches remain in effect through noon Tuesday for portions of southwest Colorado. Three Flood Warnings have also been issued:
- Piedra River Drainage Basin: Flooding of roads and low-lying areas along the Piedra River. Mud and debris flows are possible along Highway 151. Flood-prone streams include Piedra River, Ignacio Creek, Indian Creek, Weminuche Creek, and Williams Creek.
- San Juan River at Pagosa Springs: Flooding is expected near the San Juan River Campground east of Pagosa Springs. Moderate flooding is likely, similar to levels seen in June 2019, when the river crested near 10.2 feet.
- North of Vallecito Reservoir: Flooding of rivers, creeks and flood-prone areas. Unstable riverbanks and culverts have been reported in the Vallecito area.