Heavy rains cause Navajo Reservoir to rise by 60 feet in US Southwest
Heavy rains cause Navajo Reservoir to rise by 60 feet in US Southwest
US · Published Nov 11, 2026
• Back-to-back extreme rain events in late October and early November 2026 have caused significant flooding in the Four Corners region of the US Southwest. The Navajo Reservoir, located in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, rose by nearly 60 feet (18 metres) during this period, reaching its highest level since August
• The storms alleviated short-term drought conditions but caused rivers like the San Juan and Piedra to swell, leading to flooding in areas such as Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Impact & Risks

The heavy rainfall has caused widespread flooding, particularly in the Four Corners region, including southwest Colorado, southeast Utah, northern Arizona, and northwest New Mexico. Towns like Pagosa Springs have been severely affected, with streets inundated and properties damaged. The San Juan River reached major flood stage, and evacuation orders were issued. While the rains have provided drought relief, they have also caused significant disruption and damage.

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