San Juan County closed County Road 2 near Eureka Campground on Sunday because the road has become unstable after it was washed out by an avalanche debris flow near the Animas River.
The road is closed northeast of Cole Ranch and south of the avalanche debris field near Eureka, and county officials said it will remain closed until further notice.
On Saturday evening, avalanche debris and logs diverted the Upper Animas River, sending its flow toward San Juan County Road 2, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management office reported in a news release issued Sunday.
San Juan County cautioned people that the county’s creeks, streams and rivers are experiencing high water and rapid currents from abnormally high late June snowmelt.
County officials report an abundance of high alpine snowpack remains in the San Juan Mountains.
All users of public lands in San Juan County should use caution on waterways, which are experiencing increased flows, strong currents, debris flows and cold temperatures.
San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and Office of Emergency Management are reminding people in the backcountry to:
Remain vigilant near mountain creeks and stream because strong flows and cold waters present hazards.Use extreme caution when walking, dirt biking, four-wheeling or mountain biking near creeks, streams and rivers.Remember as river banks become saturated they become unstable and caution is urged when recreating near waterways and their banks.Never let children play near high-flowing rivers, creeks and streams.Avoid complacency. Officials warn that increased flows, debris flows and cold waters present hazards to even the most experienced river users.parmijo@durangoherald.com