Flooding and Heavy Snow Hit Southwest Colorado
Winter storm warnings and historic flooding are disrupting travel and communities across the San Juan Mountains and southwest Colorado.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Forecasts
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A Winter Storm Warning is in effect until noon for the San Juan Mountains above 10,000 feet, while significant and historic flooding is occurring across southwest Colorado and southeast Utah. Many local roads have become flooded and impassable, and some have washed out or collapsed completely.
Why it matters
Widespread rainfall is expected to continue through Monday, increasing runoff and flooding risks for communities across Colorado. Residents and travelers face hazardous conditions as storms bring both heavy snow to higher elevations and flash flooding to lower areas.
Forecasts call for 12-18 inches of snow above 10,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains, with gusts reaching 45 mph, and 4-8 inches with 35 mph gusts in central mountain areas. Total flood damage and the number of impassable roads have not been quantified.
The players
National Weather Service
The National Weather Service is the federal agency responsible for issuing weather forecasts, watches, and warnings across the United States.
The details
A Winter Storm Warning runs until noon for the San Juan Mountains, and a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 6 PM for the Grand Mesa, Battlement Mesa, central mountain valleys, West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, and Flat Tops above 9,000 feet. A Flood Watch covers southwest Colorado until 11 am, and particularly dangerous situation flood warnings remain in effect until 4:15 pm as thunderstorms drop heavy rain with rates over an inch per hour.
Timeline
Until 11 am on Nov. 2: Flood Watch in effect for southwest Colorado.
Until noon on Nov. 2: Winter Storm Warning in effect for the San Juan Mountains.
Until 4:15 pm on Nov. 2: Particularly dangerous situation flood warnings in effect.
Through Monday: Widespread rainfall continues across the region.
Seasonal Patterns
Colorado's early-November storms bring heavy mountain snow and flooding that follow the state's fall weather pattern of late-season moisture systems. Current warnings are compared against historical averages for the region in the source's forecast context.
Drivers should avoid flooded and washed-out roads, and travelers over mountain passes like Highway 550 should expect snow-covered conditions. Residents in flood-prone areas should monitor warnings through Monday.
The takeaway
Heavy mountain snow and flash flooding can arrive together, so residents should check warnings before traveling and avoid roads that show signs of water or collapse. Staying informed through official National Weather Service updates is the most reliable way to plan safely.
Further reading
For the latest outlooks on incoming systems, see Forecasts for Colorado.
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