EVACUATION UPDATE | ALL CITY OF DURANGO EVACUATIONS LIFTED
Some much-needed good news, Durango!
All evacuation orders within Durango city limits have been lifted. Residents may begin returning home.
IMPORTANT: Some areas may only be accessible on foot due to road closures, flooding, or damaged infrastructure. Please use caution, respect barricades, and never drive through floodwater.
To everyone who had to leave their homes, face uncertainty, and trust emergency responders: thank you. We know these past several days haven't been easy. Your cooperation helped keep people safe and allowed crews to focus on those who needed help most.
To the first responders, volunteers, neighbors, and countless community members who stepped up when it mattered most, we couldn't be more grateful.
This is what community looks like. This is Durango.
While evacuation orders have been lifted, hazards remain, and recovery continues. Not all roads are open, and not every property may be safe to enter.
Evacuations outside city limits may still be in effect.
Please continue monitoring official LPC Alerts at https://t.co/yHOiE9dmif
From all of us at the Durango Police Department, thank you for looking out for one another.
One Department. One Community. One Durango.
The Animas River like you've never seen it before.
The November 2026 flooding brought an incredible display of nature's power right through the heart of Durango.
See the full video: https://t.co/C64cGt7IEB
We captured a firsthand look at the swollen Animas River as powerful currents, muddy floodwaters, and debris surged downstream.
The Animas River shows us exactly what it's capable of.
As impressive as it is to watch, these conditions are incredibly dangerous. Stay away from the river, respect closures, and never underestimate the power of moving water.
Respect the River. Turn Around, Don't Drown.
Durango Police Department | Protect • Serve • Care
#DurangoPD #AnimasRiver #DurangoFlooding #DurangoColorado #Flood2026
🚨 A MESSAGE FROM CHIEF BRICE CURRENT
Durango, we still have neighbors stranded, families displaced, and emergency crews working to reach those affected by last night's flooding.
Right now, we need everyone to work together.
⚠️ The Animas River is CLOSED to recreation. Dangerous currents, debris, and potential sewage contamination make entering the water extremely hazardous.
🚧 All pedestrian bridges over the Animas River and the Animas River Trail remain CLOSED.
Please don't create another emergency when our responders are already stretched thin.
Instead, check on your neighbors when it's safe. Look out for one another.
Chief Current also wants to recognize something remarkable: Durango showed up for Durango last night.
Neighbors opened their doors, offered shelter, and helped people get through a difficult night.
That's the community we know and love.
Let's keep that going. Stay safe, stay out of the river, and take care of each other.
We'll continue sharing updates as conditions change.
🚨 DURANGO, WE NEED YOUR HELP. STAY HOME. STAY SAFE.
Due to ongoing flooding, the Durango Police Department lobby is CLOSED today, Monday, November 2.
Road crews and emergency responders are working to clear debris, address flooding, and reopen roads. Please help by staying home and keeping roads clear.
🚧 HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Stay home. Avoid unnecessary travel.
Keep roads clear. Give crews room to work.
Respect road closures. Never drive through floodwaters.
Limit non-emergency calls. If it can wait until tomorrow, please let it wait.
🚨 FOR EMERGENCIES, CALL 911.
Every unnecessary trip or non-emergency call takes attention and resources away from those who need help most.
The best way to help your community today is to stay home.
Thank you for your patience, Durango. Let's give our crews the space they need to get the job done.
If your household is affected by flooding, please contact 211 for assistance. https://t.co/ARtmn77Y71
211 will take calls from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.
TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN.
🚨 FLOODING IN YOUR HOME? PLEASE READ.
Emergency dispatchers are receiving a high volume of calls about water entering homes, basements, and other structures due to heavy rainfall. If your home or basement is flooding, but there is NO immediate threat to life or safety, PLEASE DO NOT CALL 911 OR POLICE DISPATCH.
We understand that water damage is stressful and costly. However, emergency responders must remain available for life-threatening situations, evacuations, and water rescues.
🚨 WHEN SHOULD YOU CALL 911?
• Someone is trapped, injured, or in immediate danger. • Floodwaters are rapidly rising and threatening your safety.
• You cannot safely evacuate.
• There is another immediate threat to life or safety.
🏠 IF EVERYONE IS SAFE:
• Avoid standing water near electrical outlets, appliances, or electrical panels.
• Contact your insurance company, property manager, or a water mitigation professional.
• Do not drive through flooded roadways.
A flooded basement is a serious property problem, but it is not automatically a 911 emergency.
Please help us keep emergency lines open for those who need immediate assistance.
🚨 FLOODING IN YOUR HOME? PLEASE READ.
Emergency dispatchers are receiving a high volume of calls about water entering homes, basements, and other structures due to heavy rainfall.
If your home or basement is flooding, but there is NO immediate threat to life or safety, PLEASE DO NOT CALL 911 OR POLICE DISPATCH.
We understand that water damage is stressful and costly. However, emergency responders must remain available for life-threatening situations, evacuations, and water rescues.
🚨 WHEN SHOULD YOU CALL 911?
Someone is trapped, injured, or in immediate danger.
Floodwaters are rapidly rising and threatening your safety.
You cannot safely evacuate.
There is another immediate threat to life or safety.
🏠 IF EVERYONE IS SAFE:
Avoid standing water near electrical outlets, appliances, or electrical panels.
Contact your insurance company, property manager, or a water mitigation professional.
Do not drive through flooded roadways.
A flooded basement is a serious property problem, but it is not automatically a 911 emergency.
Please help us keep emergency lines open for those who need immediate assistance.
🚨 URGENT: MULTIPLE ROAD CLOSURES DUE TO FLOODING 🚨
⚠️ TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!
Emergency water diversion operations are underway, and multiple road closures are in effect along Junction Street.
🚫 CURRENT ROAD CLOSURES:
Junction Street at Clovis Drive — City of Durango.
Junction Street near Dalla Mountain Park — At the City/County line.
⛔ IMPORTANT: THERE IS CURRENTLY NO ACCESS INTO THE CITY OF DURANGO FROM COUNTY ROADS 204 AND 205.
NO THROUGH TRAFFIC IS PERMITTED AT EITHER CLOSURE.
Floodwater can move quickly, hide damaged roadways, and create dangerous conditions in seconds.
DO NOT attempt to drive through standing or moving water. DO NOT drive around barricades.
Please use alternate routes where available, follow directions from emergency personnel, and give crews room to work.
📢 Both closures remain in effect until further notice. LPC Alerts will notify the public when the roads reopen.
PLEASE SHARE THIS ALERT!Help us reach residents and drivers before they encounter these closures.
⚠️ TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!
No shortcut is worth your life. Stay safe, Durango!
Durango Police Department
🎃 DURANGO, WE’RE COMING FOR YOUR CANDY! 👻🚔
Halloween is tomorrow, and DPD is pulling double duty! Two events, one spooky BearCat, and enough candy to keep your dentist employed through Thanksgiving. 🍬
🕸️ STOP #1: THREE SPRINGS FALL FESTIVAL
📍 Three Springs Plaza
⏰ 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
🏆 Children’s Costume Competition (ages 5–7): NOON
🦇 STOP #2: DOWNTOWN DURANGO CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN
📍 100 Block of East 10th Street
⏰ 4 – 6 p.m.
🏆 Children’s Costume Competition (ages 5–7): 5 P.M.
HERE’S WHAT WE’RE BRINGING:
🚔 Haunted BearCat Jail! Step inside for a family photo. No warrants required. We promise to let you out.
🏆 Costume Prizes! Little ghosts and goblins, bring your Halloween A-game!
🍬 Candy, Squishy Pigs, Coloring Books & Trick-or-Treat Buckets! Because we're not showing up empty-handed.
👮 Your Favorite Durango Officers! Some in uniform, maybe some in costume. With our crew, sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.
Come show off those costumes, snap some pictures, and hang out with the officers who protect, serve, and occasionally distribute excessive amounts of sugar.
Two events. Twice the fun. Zero excuses not to stop by!
🎃 See you Saturday, Durango!
#durangopd #durangohalloween #ThreeSprings #downtowndurango #protectservecare
TODAY: DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Clean out the medicine cabinet and bring your unused or expired medications to the Durango Police Department for safe, anonymous disposal.
🕙 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
📍 Durango Police Headquarters — 990 E. 2nd Ave
📍 Durango Police Sub-Station — 545 Wilson Gulch Dr
We’re also collecting canned goods and hygiene products for Manna Durango.
One stop. Two ways to help your community.
#TakeBackDay #DEATakeBack #durangopd #mannadurango #CommunitySafety
PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT: ANIMAS RIVER CLOSURE
Friday, October 23, 2026
The Durango Police Department is announcing a temporary closure of the Animas River to recreational boating and floating within the city limits due to ongoing flooding and hazardous river conditions.
Effective at 10:00 AM, the restriction applies to the Animas River from Oxbow Park to Dallabetta Park.
Heavy rainfall and flooding have created dangerous conditions, including powerful currents, rapidly changing water levels, and the potential for debris and other hazards. These conditions pose a serious threat to public safety.
This restriction prohibits recreational boating and floating within the designated area, including rafting, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and tubing.
This restriction is being issued pursuant to the Colorado Revised Statute.
These provisions authorize law enforcement officers to restrict recreational watercraft operations when documented emergency conditions create a hazard to human life or safety.
Violating a lawfully issued river-use restriction may result in a civil citation.
What We Need From the Public
• Do not enter the river for recreational boating or floating.
• Stay away from flooded riverbanks and restricted access points.
• Keep children and pets away from the water.
• Do not attempt to cross flooded trails, roads, or low-water crossings.
• Follow posted closure signs and instructions from emergency personnel.
The restriction will remain in effect through October 24, 2026, at 3:00 AM or when the water level drops below 7 feet or 7200 CFS, subject to reassessment. The Durango Police Department and emergency management partners will continue monitoring conditions and provide updates as information becomes available.
We understand the Animas River is an important part of life in Durango. However, current conditions present serious risks, even to experienced river users.
No recreational activity is worth risking your life or the lives of the first responders who may be called to rescue you.
Thank you for helping us keep our community safe.
Durango Police Department
Protect • Serve • Care
THIS SATURDAY: DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Clean out the medicine cabinet and bring your unused or expired medications to the Durango Police Department for safe, anonymous disposal.
📅 Saturday, Oct. 24
🕙 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
📍 Durango Police Headquarters, 990 E. 2nd Ave
📍 Durango Police Sub-Station, 545 Wilson Gulch Dr
We’re also collecting donations for Manna Durango, including non-perishable canned goods and hygiene products.
One stop. Two ways to help your community.
Learn more about Drug Take Back Day at https://t.co/lYhXAySeRU
#TakeBackDay #DEATakeBack #DurangoPD #CommunitySafety #MannaDurango
SOMEONE CALL AN ORNITHOLOGIST. WE FOUND A RARE SPECIES.
Ranger Mango thought he heard an interesting bird call. After a little investigating, he discovered something much more unusual.
A Ranger Tosh. In its natural habitat. Hiding in the bushes.
Apparently, Tosh has been practicing his bird calls and is ready to share some real bird knowledge with the rest of us!
Bird Behavior & Identification with Ranger Tosh
-Thursday, October 22
-5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
-Durango Recreation Center
Learn about bird behavior, how to identify different species, and who's making all that noise in the trees.
Whether you're an experienced birdwatcher or just curious about our feathered neighbors, come join us!
No binoculars required. But you might want to keep an eye on the bushes.
#DurangoPD #DurangoRangers #BirdWatching #ProtectServeCare #DurangoColorado
🚨 LAST CALL, DURANGO! 🚂
The Durango Pullice Department is pulling a TRAIN this Saturday for Special Olympics Colorado!
💪 10 People. 15 Feet. One Huge Impact.
🎯 Help us reach our $1,500 goal!
Donate NOW! 👇
2026 Durango Train Pull - Durango Pullice Department
Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Honoring the Past, Respecting the Present, Building the Future
Today, the Durango Police Department joins our community in recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Durango sits on the ancestral homelands of the Ute people. We recognize and honor the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and the many Indigenous people whose histories, cultures, and contributions continue to shape our region.
This day is an opportunity to listen, learn, and reflect on the history of Indigenous communities, including the hardships they have endured, while celebrating their resilience, traditions, and lasting contributions.
As a police department, we recognize that trust is built through actions, not just words. We remain committed to treating every person with dignity, strengthening relationships, and serving our community with fairness, compassion, and respect.
Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day means more than acknowledging history. It means recognizing the people, cultures, and communities who are very much part of our present and future.
#IndigenousPeoplesDay #DurangoPolice #OneDurango #ProtectServeCare
🌲 Your hiking buddy hopes you never need these skills. They’ll be glad you learned them.
Ranger Tosh’s Wilderness First Aid class is a two-parter! Join us for two evenings focused on what to do when an emergency happens outdoors and help may be a hike away.
• Thursday, October 8: CPR and heart-related emergencies in the outdoors
• Thursday, October 15: Trauma and bleeding
📍 Durango Recreation Center
⏰ 5:30–7 p.m. both nights
💲 Both classes are FREE
Whether you’re a weekend hiker, a regular camper, or the person everyone counts on to be prepared, there’s always more to learn.
Bring your questions. Bring your adventure buddy. You can never have too much wilderness first aid knowledge.
And if Mango starts dancing, you’ll understand when you watch the video. 🕺
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH MAY BE ENDING. YOUR PLAN SHOULDN’T.
We rely on our phones for just about everything.
Contacts. Maps. Weather. Medical information. Directions.
But what happens when the battery dies, service disappears, or the network is overloaded?
Before September wraps up, take a few minutes to build a backup plan:
• Keep a charged power bank and charging cables handy
• Write down important phone numbers
• Choose a family meeting location
• Pick an out-of-area contact everyone knows
• Talk about where you’ll go if you need to evacuate
• Make sure children know who to call, where to go, and who they can trust
• Keep important information somewhere other than your phone
Technology is incredibly useful. A plan that only works when technology works isn’t much of a plan.
National Preparedness Month ends this week, but preparedness is a year-round job.
Build the plan. Talk about it. Then make sure everyone in your household knows it.
#NationalPreparednessMonth #DurangoCO #EmergencyPreparedness #ProtectServeCare
WOULD WE BE ABLE TO REACH YOU?
Wildfire. Flooding. Severe weather. Other emergencies.
When something is happening in your area, getting accurate information quickly matters.
LPC Alerts is La Plata County's emergency notification system. It can send alerts by text, phone, and email, and notifications can be targeted to specific affected areas.
If you were previously registered for CodeRED, you were automatically enrolled when LPC Alerts replaced it earlier this year.
If you aren’t registered, take a couple of minutes and sign up:
https://t.co/6YPwYUEtZF
Then help someone else do the same.
Emergency notifications only work if we can reach you.
#NationalPreparednessMonth #LPCAlerts #DurangoCO #EmergencyPreparedness
🌿 “Can I eat that?” is a question best answered BEFORE you take a bite.
Join Ranger Tosh this Thursday, September 24, for Edible Plants & Wildlife, the next class in his Outdoor Class series. Bring your curiosity and your questions!
📍 Durango Recreation Center
⏰5:30–7 p.m.
💲FREE
Keep learning with us! All remaining classes meet Thursdays at the same time and location:
• Oct. 1: Wilderness Skills
• Oct. 8: Wilderness First Aid, CPR & Heart-Related Emergencies
• Oct. 15: Wilderness First Aid Continued: Trauma & Bleeding
• Oct. 22: Outdoor Etiquette
• Oct. 29: Backpacking Equipment & Skills
• Nov. 5: Colorado Bird Behavior & Identification
• Nov. 12: Wildlife Behavior & Tracking
Save the schedule and share it with your outdoor adventure buddy. See you Thursday!
🎨 ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE | DURANGO AUTUMN ARTS FESTIVAL
Heading downtown for the Durango Autumn Arts Festival? Here’s what drivers need to know about closures along E. 2nd Avenue beginning tonight, Friday, Sept. 18.
🚧 Closures begin at 5:30 p.m. in the 900 block of E. 2nd Avenue and will continue south one block at a time each hour, eventually reaching 7th Street.
🚗 8th and 9th Streets will remain open for eastbound and westbound traffic until 10 p.m. Friday.
Please plan ahead, watch for barricades and traffic control, and give yourself a little extra time if you’re traveling through downtown.
And if the detour happens to lead you toward some local art, food, and music… there are worse problems to have. 🎨
#durangocolorado #durangoautumnartsfestival #RoadClosure #downtowndurango #durangopd