From Straight Arrow · · 2m
Super El Niño’s moisture brings flood risks to Colorado River Basin
Heavy rain from Super El Niño causes repeated flooding in small Colorado River communities.
In brief
Heavy rain from Super El Niño causes repeated flooding in small Colorado River communities. Super El Niño rain events cause repeated flooding in small Colorado River communities, damaging homes and infrastructure while offering limited long-term water benefits. Originally reported by Straight Arrow.
Lake Powell rising
Crews started reopening boat ramps at Lake Powell less than two months after reservoir dried to lowest recorded level.
Lake Mead rising
Lake Mead rose two feet in the same time period as Lake Powell increased more than 19 feet since Sept. 15.
Homes flooded twice
Residents in Hurricane, Utah and Pagosa Springs, Colorado experienced homes flooded more than once within weeks.
Pagosa Springs flooding
San Juan River crested at 16.81 feet, the second-highest on record, after Halloween weekend storms.
Emergency response
Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for downtown Pagosa Springs and low-lying areas along multiple rivers.
Roads and schools closed
Washed-out roads forced school closures across Southwestern Colorado and major highway bridges remain closed.
Water quality concerns
Floodwater interacting with drinking water sources raises water quality concerns for small-town treatment facilities.
Limited recovery time
Small communities lack capacity to prepare for repeated flood events due to limited funding and personnel.
Ground saturation
Ground becomes saturated after heavy rain, preventing soil from absorbing additional water during subsequent storms.
Rain vs. snow
Rain events cause rapid runoff that doesn't recharge groundwater, while snow provides slower, more sustainable water storage.
Super El Niño impact
Super El Niño weather pattern brings heavy rain events that temporarily raise reservoirs but cause repeated flooding.
Flood risks
Small communities face repeated flood risks due to near-consistent storm cycles and limited recovery time.
Water storage issues
Rainwater runs off quickly instead of being stored in snowpack, reducing long-term water availability.
What happens next
Another storm cycle may bring moisture to the region in mid-November, but flood risks remain high.
The takeaway
Super El Niño rain events cause repeated flooding in small Colorado River communities, damaging homes and infrastructure while offering limited long-term water benefits.
