San Juan River to crest again at Bluff Wednesday as bridge losses cut off towns

The San Juan River near Bluff is forecast to rise again and crest Wednesday evening at about 23.8 feet, just above the 23-foot minor flood stage, with a flow of about 34,400 cubic feet per second, according to the National Weather Service river forecast issued Tuesday morning. The gauge read 22.5 feet and about 30,700 cubic feet per second at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, and the forecast has the river falling below 18 feet by Friday. ^[1]

Town officials said Tuesday that the river had dropped 12 inches overnight but would rise through the night, and that homes and businesses flooded on Oct. 25 could flood again. Those owners will stay evacuated Tuesday night, and people in low-lying areas nearby were told to be ready to leave at a moment's notice. Places that were not affected earlier are not forecast to be in danger, the town said. ^[2][3]

The town said Bluff is not expected to lose power beyond a brief disruption, but cell service could go out, and it would try to reach residents in danger if that happens. Officials are also watching a damaged power line that carries electricity to the Navajo Nation. ^[2]

Bridges out on Highways 163 and 262

Monday's floods destroyed a Highway 163 bridge between Bluff and Monument Valley and a Highway 262 bridge, cutting off Montezuma Creek, KUTV reported. UDOT recommends a detour through Kayenta, Arizona, which adds about an hour and a half, and is working on an emergency contract to replace the Highway 163 bridge. ^[3]

Bluff Mayor Josh Ewing said Monument Valley residents rely on Blanding for health care and that the losses affect health care, voting and tourism across the region. He said rebuilding the bridges could take several months and that other repairs, including 50-year-old dikes that failed, could take years. ^[3] San Juan County voters affected by the flooding can request a ballot by email until 5 p.m. Tuesday. ^[4]