FloodingTuesday, November 3
The Animas River breached its banks in Farmington, and evacuations are ordered downtown
The Daily Farmington team
If you live near the Animas, La Plata or San Juan rivers, the county wants you out. The Animas breached its banks in Farmington around 10:30 a.m. Monday, just south of the Broadway Bridge.
KUNM reports the county issued evacuation alerts Sunday afternoon for anyone within a half-mile of the three rivers. By Monday, the order covered these areas, and schools in Farmington, Bloomfield and Shiprock were closed.
- Evacuate: Cedar St. to Murray Dr., Broadway Ave. to Auburn Ave.
- Also: everything within a half-mile of the three rivers
- Shelter: McGee Park at the San Juan County Fairgrounds
No river had crested Monday, and county spokesman Devin Neeley said the area hasn't seen water rise like this in 100 years. The La Plata stood at 14 feet. Its highest recorded level, more than 100 years ago, was 11.3 feet.
The La Plata River rose above its highest recorded level
Source: Tri City Record
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| La Plata River Monday | 14 ft |
| Past high, 100+ years ago | 11.3 ft |
“We are certainly not out of the woods,” Neeley said. Farmington Electric Utility is shutting down power to protect infrastructure and people in the water doing rescue operations, and one area without power is Wild Horse Valley.
Heavier rain to the north is feeding the rivers
- 2-5 inches
- of rain fell in La Plata County in 36 hours
- 0.75-1.5 in
- of rain fell in Farmington in 36 hours
- 10 feet
- the Navajo Dam reservoir has risen since Oct. 30
- 10 more feet
- forecast for the Navajo Dam reservoir
Source: Tri City Record
Sources: Tri City Record, 96.3 KKOB, KUNM