Flood update · Thursday, November 5, 2026, 5:40 PM
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For flood questions, evacuation status or help, call the La Plata County emergency call center. Stay out of floodwater, even on foot.
For live alerts, download the Watch Duty app or sign up at readylaplata.org.
Need help?
Receive up to $500
Apply by Friday, November 13
Grants through WRC’s Womenade program for flood-related costs, such as a motel stay, rent, utilities, groceries or gas.
Income limits apply · 970.247.1242
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Donate nowReturning home safely
Evacuation orders for the Animas Valley, Hermosa, Ignacio and the City of Durango were lifted on November 2 to 4. A few areas may still be under orders, so check your address at lpcgov.org/flood or call 970-385-8700 before you go back.
- Document first. Take photos and videos of damage before you clean up, then report it on Crisis Track, the state’s damage reporting site, even if you are not sure you qualify for help.
- Water. Do not drink well water if your well was flooded. If your septic system was underwater, do not use it until it has been checked.
- Food. Throw out food that touched floodwater, was not kept cold during a power outage, or looks or smells off.
- Hazards. Stay away from downed power lines and damaged propane tanks. Watch for mold, and never drive through standing or moving water.
- Debris. You may start piling debris on your own property, away from curbs and streets. Do not take it to the Fairgrounds while the county finishes its debris plan.
Where to find help
Who is doing what across La Plata County. Resources change daily, so check lpcgov.org/flood for the latest.
Shelter tonight
La Plata County Fairgrounds (Red Cross)
2500 Main Avenue, Durango · The Ignacio and Bayfield shelters are closed.
Meals and food
Manna Soup Kitchen
Hot meals weekdays 9 AM to 1 PM, 1100 Avenida del Sol · mannasoupkitchen.org
Animas Valley Grange
7271 County Road 203 · Lunch and dinner 11 AM to 6 PM, November 5 to 8, plus cleaning supplies, water, blankets and food
Durango Food Bank
Bottled water
Fairgrounds Extension Building
2500 Main Avenue, during business hours
Temporary housing
2-1-1 Colorado with Airbnb.org
Dial 2-1-1 or 866-760-6489, or text your zip code to 898-211, weekdays 8 AM to 5 PM. Airbnb.org stays of up to 28 nights for people from mandatory evacuation areas.
Financial help
American Red Cross
Financial assistance for flood-affected households · Call (970) 242-4851 to sign up
Rent, utilities or deposits
Community Emergency Assistance Coalition (SW Housing Solutions)
One-time crisis grants · teamupsw.org/support
Summit Church and River Church
Helping with utility bills
Families with children
Colorado Works disaster cash
Up to $2,000 for affected families with children and household income under $75,000 · La Plata County Human Services 970-382-6150
Lost food from SNAP?
Report it within 10 days of the loss to replace your benefits.
Veterans
La Plata County Veterans Services
VFW Post 4031 relief program
Lodging, groceries, utilities and repairs · (970) 247-0384
Cleanup kits
American Red Cross; The Salvation Army
Limited supply at the Fairgrounds Extension Building · Salvation Army Durango
Report damage
Crisis Track (State of Colorado)
Report damage and unmet needs, even if you are not sure you qualify: report your damage. City of Durango street and utility problems: SeeClickFix.
Road closures
Many county roads are still closed
County roads and the City of Durango’s road closure map: lpcgov.org/flood · State highways: cotrip.org · The Animas River Trail is closed between Animas City Park and the Oxbow Park parking lot.
Flooded car or appliances
Recla Metals (car title required)
33399 US Highway 160
Federal aid and flood insurance
No federal declaration for La Plata County yet
The Governor’s request so far covers Archuleta and Rio Grande counties. If La Plata County is added and approved, apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362. Flood insurance claims: floodsmart.gov · Our step-by-step claims guide
Well water or septic
La Plata County Public Health
Do not drink water from a flooded well. Public Health is not recommending well testing yet. Questions: 970-247-5702
Downed power lines
La Plata Electric Association
Call 911 if dangerous
Propane tank damage
Your propane retailer or local fire department
Mental health support
Disaster Distress Helpline (24/7)
Call or text 800-985-5990 · Or call or text 988
Axis Health Durango Regional Crisis Center
La Plata Counseling & Psychiatry
Riversage Family Counseling
How to document damage and file a claim 9 steps
Document, report and recover: what to do and in what order. Download the printable guide (PDF)
Questions? Call
La Plata County call center for non-emergency disaster questions. Evacuation and road information: ReadyLaPlata.org or the Watch Duty app.
Report your damage
Crisis Track
Report damage on Crisis Track and to the county, even if you are not sure you will qualify for anything.
Flood insurance
Policy required
You must have had a flood insurance policy in place before the flood to file a flood claim.
Step by step
1Make sure it is safe before you go in
- Follow local authorities’ guidance before returning home.
- Watch for electrical hazards, structural damage and mold. Safety first.
2Report your claim right away
- If you have a policy, contact your insurance company or your National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insurer. You can also start a claim at floodsmart.gov.
- Write down dates, names and instructions from every conversation.
- An adjuster is usually assigned and should contact you within 48 hours.
3Document all damage before cleanup
- Take clear photos and videos of every damaged item before throwing anything away.
- Capture wide shots, close-ups, water lines, debris and structural damage.
- Write down serial numbers for appliances and electronics.
4Keep damaged materials and all receipts
- Do not throw items away until the adjuster sees them, unless they are a health hazard or must be removed by law.
- Keep small samples of materials, such as carpet and drywall.
- Save receipts for emergency repairs, cleanup supplies and replacements.
5Begin cleanup safely, after documenting
- Start cleanup once it is safe and your documentation is complete. Keep evidence for the adjuster.
- Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours, and mold damage is not covered by standard NFIP policies.
6Meet and work with your adjuster
- Be there for the inspection and ask about coverage and timelines.
- Share photos, videos, inventories, receipts and contractor estimates.
- Ask about an advance payment if you may be eligible.
7Submit all required documents
- List damaged belongings with descriptions, ages and values.
- Submit photos, receipts, contractor estimates and proof of ownership.
- Review the adjuster’s estimate carefully. You can ask for more if needed.
8Finish the claim and keep records
- Complete repairs and keep all receipts and contractor paperwork.
- Store all claim documents in a safe place.
9Appeal if you need to
- NFIP allows appeals if you disagree with the claim decision.
- Appeals need detailed documentation and must meet NFIP deadlines.
Mistakes to avoid
- Throwing items away too early, unless the law requires it.
- Not writing down serial numbers.
- Hiring unqualified contractors. Check references to avoid scams.
- Ignoring mold. It spreads quickly and is not covered by NFIP.
Sources: National Flood Insurance Program (FEMA), La Plata County Government and City of Durango. This guide is general information, not legal or insurance advice; check with your insurer about your own policy.
Want to volunteer? Start here.
Sign up once at teamupvolunteers.org or Colorado Responds, and you will be matched with a responding organization that needs your skills. Please do not travel to affected areas on your own.
Needed now: delivering meals, helping people document their damage, giving rides to appointments for people with disabilities, playing with children in shelters, and simply offering comfort.
Other ways to give
Manna Soup Kitchen and the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado La Plata Community Emergency Relief Fund are also supporting flood recovery. To give to the relief fund by check, make it payable to the Community Foundation with “CERF” in the memo and mail it to P.O. Box 1673, Durango, CO 81302.
Sources: La Plata County Government, City of Durango, American Red Cross, Colorado VOAD, the Durango Herald and the Southern Ute Drum, as of November 5, 2026, 5:40 PM. Conditions are changing quickly. For the latest official information, visit lpcgov.org/flood.