Water Damage & Flood FAQ for Pagosa Springs

The San Juan River at Pagosa Springs crested at 15.02 ft on October 23, 2026, which was the second-highest crest on record at that time, behind 17.8 ft in 1911. Flood stage is 10.5 ft. The Piedra River near Arboles and the Navajo River near Chromo also set gauge records.

As of November 1, 2026, a second crest was forecast for the night of November 1. The National Weather Service forecast 22.0 ft, and Archuleta County, via the Town, forecast about 19.71 ft. Both are forecasts, not results. Mandatory evacuations were in effect and US 160 was closed to inbound traffic. Follow the Town and County for updates.

Crisis Cleanup runs a volunteer hotline at 970-283-7325 for muck-out, debris and cleanup help. It was open through Nov 6, 2026 per the Town; check current status. Help depends on volunteer capacity and demand. For shelter, food or housing help, call 211 (text 898-211). These are free resources and are not connected to this site.

As of November 1, 2026, the Town and County each run a wood-only drop-off site for their residents, and the Archuleta County Landfill on CR 500 accepts appliances, belongings and drywall separated before arrival. Disposal fees are the responsibility of the individual. Rules can change, so check the Town and County pages before you haul. Our recovery guide has the details.

When officials say it is. If you are under an evacuation order, leave and stay out. Once you are allowed back, watch for structural damage, gas smells and live wiring. Turn off power only if you can do it without standing in water. Wear boots and gloves, because floodwater can carry sewage.

It can be. The EPA and CDC warn that floodwater can carry sewage, bacteria and chemicals. Wear rubber boots, gloves and eye protection, wash hands often, and keep children and pets away. The Archuleta County Public Health Department suggests a tetanus booster if your last one was five or more years ago. See a doctor about any symptoms.

The EPA says that if wet materials are dried within 24 to 48 hours, mold usually will not grow. After a flood, the EPA advises assuming mold is present if the home could not be dried in that window. That does not mean panic. It means plan for removal of wet porous materials and a mold check before walls are closed.

Ask about asbestos first. The Town of Pagosa Springs has warned that drywall in older homes may contain asbestos in joint compound or tape. Colorado Regulation 8 requires inspection before disturbing more than small amounts in single-family homes, about 32 sq ft or 50 linear ft. A flooded room easily exceeds that. For pre-1978 homes, also ask about lead-safe practices.

Generally no. The Colorado Division of Insurance says most property policies don't cover flooding. Flood damage is usually covered only by an NFIP or private flood policy. Flood-related evacuation costs are generally not covered under a standard homeowners policy either. Call your agent or the Division of Insurance with questions about your own policy.

The National Flood Insurance Program requires a signed proof of loss within 60 days of the loss unless FEMA extends the deadline. Notify your flood insurer right away, document everything, and keep copies. The NFIP Help Center is 877-336-2627. Our documentation page lists what to gather.

As of November 1, 2026, FEMA Individual Assistance has not been approved for the 2026 flooding. The governor's October 31 request covers public assistance and hazard mitigation only. No SBA disaster declaration for the flood had been found. Report damage through the County's Crisis Track portal, which is for damage and needs reporting only, not an aid application.

Under C.R.S. 10-4-110.8, a Colorado insurer must provide a copy of your policy, including declarations and endorsements, within 3 business days of your request. Ask for it in writing early so you can see what is covered, what is excluded, and what conditions apply before you sign any repair contract.

National published ranges put flood or flooded-basement cleanup at about $4 to $12 per sq ft (HomeGuide), and sewage cleanup at about $7 to $15 or more per sq ft. A typical water damage job runs $1,200 to $5,000 (Fixr). These are not Pagosa Springs quotes. Use the cost calculator for a planning figure.

Colorado's price-gouging law, C.R.S. 6-1-730, applies during a declared disaster period and covers emergency cleanup, repair and reconstruction services. It sets no fixed percentage and allows real cost pass-through. Get written, itemized estimates and compare more than one. Report concerns to the Colorado Attorney General.

Many companies offer free estimates, but policies vary, especially for a remote property or a long drive. Ask before the visit whether there is a charge for the estimate and whether emergency work, such as pumping water, starts on the same visit.

No. Colorado has no state license for water damage restoration, mold remediation or general contracting. Plumbers and electricians are state-licensed. Inside Town of Pagosa Springs limits, contractors and all their subs need a Town business license. Unincorporated Archuleta County has no business license.

Ask for a Town business license if the work is inside Town limits, a certificate of insurance, a written itemized estimate, and a Colorado state license for any plumbing or electrical work. IICRC training is a useful extra. Be wary of upfront cash demands or anyone who claims to be government-approved. Complaints go to the Colorado Attorney General.

Before any work in the floodway or floodplain, Archuleta County requires a Floodplain Development Permit from County Planning. Inside Town limits, contact the Town Building Division about building permits. Ask whether a substantial damage determination applies before you rebuild. Work in rivers or streambanks may also need US Army Corps of Engineers authorization.

No. Pagosa Springs Water Damage Pros is an independent quote service. It is not affiliated with FEMA, Archuleta County, the Town of Pagosa Springs, Crisis Cleanup or any government agency or charity. FEMA does not charge fees, and no legitimate agency will ask you to pay for help with an aid application.

Not until it has been checked. The Archuleta County Public Health Department says to turn off power to the well before inspection, not to run the pump until it is inspected, and to use other water for drinking and bathing. A flooded well will likely need disinfection and testing. ACPHD can be reached at (970) 264-2409.

Not yet. ACPHD advises letting the system dry, limiting use, and not pumping the tank until groundwater drops, because pumping a tank in saturated soil can damage it. If the system is compromised, use a professional. Septic installers in Archuleta County need a county OWTS installer license.

Keep the heat on at a steady setting, shut off the main water valve and drain lines if the home will sit empty, and open cabinet doors on outside walls. Ask a neighbor or property manager to check heat and look for leaks while you're away. January lows here average about 1°F, so a short power outage can matter.

Often a sudden burst pipe is a covered peril, but policies commonly include vacancy and freeze conditions, such as keeping heat on or the water shut off. Check your policy's wording, and ask your insurer for a copy within the 3 business days Colorado law allows. Report the loss promptly and photograph everything.