Cortez experiences record October rainfall; McPhee Reservoir levels rise
Cortez experiences record October rainfall; McPhee Reservoir levels rise
US · Published Oct 27, 2026
• The city of Cortez in the Four Corners region has recorded its wettest October in 28 years, with 4.88 inches of rainfall, significantly surpassing the monthly average of about 1 inch.
• Heavy rains have caused flooding across the region, submerging fields, homes, and roads, and pushing rivers like the San Juan, Rio Blanco, and Animas beyond flood stages.

Impact & Risks

Flooding has caused significant disruptions, including the closure of a bridge on U.S. Highway 160 near the San Juan River, forcing detours through neighbouring states. Rockslides and sinkholes have been reported in parts of Dolores, while local infrastructure, such as the Carpenter Natural Preserve and the Cortez Recreation Center, has sustained damage. Although Montezuma County fared better than its neighbours, the region remains vulnerable to further weather events. The rise in McPhee Reservoir levels is a positive development for water resources, but the reservoir is still far from full, remaining 51 feet below capacity.

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