Pueblo, Colo. – Communities across southeastern Colorado are on alert as river levels rise and flood watches stretch into the weekend, threatening homes, farmland, and travel routes from Pueblo to La Junta.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, flood watches are now in effect for sections of the Arkansas and Purgatoire Rivers beginning late Tuesday night through early Saturday. Water levels along the Arkansas River near Avondale could reach flood stage just after midnight, with similar concerns for areas near Nepesta and La Junta by Wednesday and Thursday. In Bent County, the Purgatoire River near Las Animas is expected to rise significantly starting Wednesday morning, potentially triggering moderate agricultural flooding.
In Pueblo County, water near Avondale is already climbing, with the river at 3.1 feet Tuesday morning — just under half the 7.0-foot flood threshold. Meanwhile, in La Junta, river levels could crest above 11.0 feet early Thursday, posing a risk of residential flooding. Nepesta may also see minor flooding in low-lying farmland as early as late Wednesday morning.
Residents near the riverbanks should monitor NOAA alerts, move livestock or equipment from flood-prone areas, and avoid crossing inundated roads. Officials warn the situation could change quickly as additional rainfall is possible midweek.
Flood watches remain in effect through at least Saturday morning; more advisories may follow.
