Pagosa Gateway River Project

A Community Still Recovering: The Recent San Juan River Flooding

The recent flooding along the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs, a powerful event peaking above 8,000 cfs, was a stark reminder of how vulnerable our river corridor can be. The Pagosa Gateway River Project was one of the affected areas, a two-mile stretch currently under construction to improve channel stability, improve habitat, increase safety, enhance recreational experiences, revitalize riparian areas and improve the long term health of the river. Fortunately the flood came during the early phases of construction and most of the installed work held strong through the event which is a testament to the need and effectiveness of this type of river restoration work. Yet the surge revealed immediate needs. The river carved new channels, deposited massive cobble bars, and carried down large debris; including car bodies, trees, and even a fully intact cabin from upstream. Some of the riverbanks were severely eroded or completely gone.

WEP moved quickly, working with our design-build engineering team to reassess conditions, redesign features where necessary, and prioritize areas that now pose safety risks or threaten surrounding properties. Even with the unexpected damage, the original goals of the Gateway Project remain firmly in place. The work is still in progress with the hopes of finishing early 2026.

Events like this underscore an important fact - Investing in watershed resilience isn’t optional, it's essential and our community depends on this work. Your Support Makes This Possible Colorado Gives Day is an opportunity to directly support local, on-the-ground watershed improvements that safeguard the places we all rely on. Every dollar helps WEP continue implementing high-priority projects, like Pagosa Gateway, and supporting long-term watershed health. The work we do is vital not only for the river’s ecological health but also for sustaining the community’s economy and quality of life.