Live river levels
Where the rivers are right now
Live readings from U.S. Geological Survey stream gauges, last 7 days. Data is provisional and refreshes every 15 minutes. For warnings, follow the National Weather Service and San Juan County OEM.
San Juan River at Farmington
Animas River at Farmington
San Juan River at Shiprock
Where things stand
Rescue is over. Recovery is just starting.
About 1,500 homes were damaged in early counts, and state estimates run much higher. 200 to 300 people were rescued, with no deaths reported in San Juan County.
Rescues
Swift-water and rooftop rescues ended Oct 25.
Hazard checks
Crews are clearing gas, power and sewage street by street. Stay out until yours is cleared.
Debris plan
Landfills are not taking flood debris until the county releases its plan.
Household aid
The state is preparing a Major Disaster Declaration request. That is usually what opens FEMA help for families.
Rescue
Evacuations, rescues, shelter at McGee Park.
Reentry and hazard checks
Utilities secured, streets cleared one at a time.
You are hereMuck-out and testing
Test, then remove wet drywall, insulation, flooring.
Debris and funding
County debris removal, federal aid decisions.
Rebuild
Repairs, permits, insurance and aid payouts.
Phase timing after "Now" is typical of large floods, not an official county schedule.
In this order
8 steps before you clean up
Doing these in order keeps your family safe and protects the money you may be owed.
Wait for the all-clear
Don't go home until law enforcement clears your street. Don't flip breakers or start generators. It puts line crews and neighbors at risk.
Photograph everything first
Every room, the waterline on the walls, every damaged item, before you move anything. County officials and Sen. Luján's office both say this is what gets aid paid.
Call insurance and get registered
Call 2-1-1. Visit the Disaster Recovery Center at San Juan College. Keep every receipt.
Gear up
Gloves, goggles, rubber boots, and an N95 or better. Strip exposed clothes outside, bag them, and wash separately, especially kids' clothes.
Hold your debris
Flood drywall, carpet, clothing and spoiled food are not accepted at county landfills or transfer stations until the debris plan is out. Stage it, don't dump it.
Test before you tear out
Homes built before 1980 can have asbestos in drywall mud, flooring and siding. Pre-1978 paint can have lead. Sample before demo.
Get the wet stuff out fast
Once you're cleared, mold starts in 24 to 48 hours. Pull drywall and insulation above the waterline, carpet and pad, anything porous.
Hire carefully
Check the contractor's license with NM Construction Industries Division. Get a written scope. Don't pay large amounts up front.
What's in the water
Treat everything the flood touched as contaminated
The flood reached Bloomfield's wastewater plant and sent raw sewage into the river. County fire officials say the water and mud also carry:
Gas and power
Assume lines are damaged and live until crews clear your area. Report downed lines.
Private wells
Safety unknown. The county asked the NM Department of Health to test domestic wells. City water in Farmington, Aztec and Bloomfield is safe.
Mold
Homes closed up wet for a week likely already have it behind the walls.
Asbestos and lead
Older homes can release fibers and dust during tear-out. Test first.
Ground
Water hides sinkholes and potholes. Dead animals may have washed onto property.
More weather
The county warned another storm could arrive this week. Watch for updates.
Where to get help
Official resources
For a life-threatening emergency, call 911. For everything else, start with 2-1-1.
Following the money
About $12 million in state funds so far. Household aid isn't approved yet.
The governor estimates total costs could reach $200 to $300 million once roads, infrastructure and environmental cleanup are counted.
| Source | Amount | What it covers | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| State executive orders | $8.25M | $750K for the National Guard in San Juan County; $7.5M for state disaster response | Signed Oct 26. More to follow as damage is assessed. |
| State flood declaration (Sept) | Up to $3.75M | Response and recovery in any county that needs it | Available to San Juan County |
| Federal emergency declaration | Not stated | Army Corps debris help and damage assessment, EPA drinking water testing, USGS monitoring, FEMA sheltering and water | Partially approved Oct 26. Repayment for local debris and rescue costs was not granted. |
| Major Disaster Declaration | To be requested | Public infrastructure, debris costs, and possibly aid to households | State preparing the request now |
| Congressional delegation request | $13.8M+ | Relief plus environmental cleanup for 4 counties and 5 Tribal nations | Requested Oct 25 |
Local help
The hazardous side of cleanup is what we do every day.
DEKON Environmental Services is based on Monroe Road in Farmington. We're licensed with NM Construction Industries Division (License #417265) and our crews are HAZWOPER trained. We document our work so it holds up with insurance adjusters.
- Contaminated muck-outSewage and fuel-impacted homes, cleaning and disinfection
- MoldInspection, sampling and remediation
- AsbestosSampling by an AHERA building inspector, and abatement
- BiohazardsDead animals, rodents, hantavirus-protocol decon
- Debris haulingTransport and disposal with proper manifests
- Contaminated soilExcavation and removal
- Spill responseFuel, oil and chemical containment
- RepairsLicensed GB-98 general building work
- StormwaterSWPPP for commercial sites during rebuild
- 24/7 emergency responseHomes, businesses, Tribal communities
Common questions
Straight answers
Will FEMA pay for my house?
Not yet. The current federal declaration covers debris help, water and sheltering. Aid to households usually comes with a Major Disaster Declaration, which the state is preparing. Document everything now so you're ready.
Can I start cleaning out my house?
Not until your area is cleared by law enforcement. Once cleared, photograph first, then remove wet material, and hold debris until the county announces its plan.
Can I bleach the drywall and leave it?
No. Drywall, insulation and carpet that sat in sewage-contaminated water need to come out. Bleach doesn't fix porous material.
Do I really need an asbestos test?
If the home was built before 1980 and you're removing drywall, flooring or siding, yes. Disturbing asbestos spreads fibers through the house.
How do I know if I have mold?
If it was wet more than 48 hours, assume it's behind the walls. A musty smell and staining are signs. An inspection with sampling confirms it.
Is my well water safe?
Unknown. The county has asked the NM Department of Health to test domestic wells. Don't drink well water until it's tested.
How do I avoid a bad contractor?
Check their license with NM Construction Industries Division, get a written scope, ask for local references, and don't pay large sums up front.
Sources
Where this information comes from
- KSUT: San Juan County faces new hazards and millions in recovery costs
- Source NM: Governor announces federal disaster aid
- Governor's office: Feds partially grant emergency declaration
- Navajo Times: County warns evacuees not to return
- The Watchers: Record San Juan River flooding
- Durango Herald: San Juan County in crisis
- Source NM: "A terrible crisis"
- KRQE: Document damage before cleanup
- Visit Four Corners: Flood updates and resources
Last updated October 27, 2026. Conditions change daily. Check San Juan County OEM for the latest.