Rising River Restricts Trails

Friday, June 7, 2019 at 8:38 PM

All Veterans Memorial in Berg Park seen on June 5, and again on June 8, 2019. The city now says rising water levels have closed trails in this area and other. (Photos courtesy; Steve Hebbe & City of Farmington)

Trails on the north side of the river from Berg Park West to the Animas Bridge (furthest bridge to the east) are closed. Trails on the south side of the river will remain open. The closure is a precaution in anticipation of rising water levels over the next several days.

From the City of Farmington:

Update: June 8, 2019:

Trails north of Animas River at Berg Park temporarily closed: City taking precautions in anticipation of rising water

The City of Farmington has temporarily closed trails on the north side of Animas River at Berg Park due to rising water levels. Trails on the north side of the river from Berg Park West to the Animas Bridge (furthest bridge to the east) are closed. Trails on the south side of the river will remain open.

The closure is a precaution in anticipation of rising water levels over the next several days.

Barriers and signs informing the public of closure are being placed along the river trails. For their safety, individuals should not try to pass the barriers.

The City will continue to monitor the river flow and provide updates as they become available.

(photo courtesy: City of Farmington)

June 7, 2019:

The City of Farmington has temporarily closed sections of trails in Berg Park due to rising water levels. Trails on the north side of the Animas River near the All Veterans Memorial Plaza will be closed throughout the weekend. Berg Park will remain open but access through All Veterans Memorial Plaza will be closed.

Barriers and signs informing the public of closure are being placed along the river trails. For their safety, individuals should not try to pass the barriers. The river levels are predicted to rise throughout the weekend. The City will continue to monitor the river flow and provide updates as they become available.

From the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, CO:

Flood Advisory for the Animas River near Durango affecting La Plata County

Warm temperatures continue to cause rapid snowmelt and rises on area
creeks and larger tributaries such as the Animas. Flows along the Animas near Durango will increase and remain near bankful through the weekend and into early next week. Minor lowland flooding is possible along the river with impacts also possible along recreation trails along the Animas.Expect smaller tributaries to the Animas to be running strong and cold until further notice.

Flood Advisory for the La Plata River at Hesperus affecting La Plata County:

Warm temperatures will continue snow melt runoff. The flows along the La Plata River will remain near to slightly above bankfull through the week. Minor lowland flooding is possible along the La Plata River.

More from Local News

AirCare adds Second Airplane

AirCare 3 is a Pilatus PC-12 Legacy. It joins AirCare 1, a Bell 429 twin engine helicopter, and AirCare 2, a Pilatus PC-12 NGX, all owned by San Juan Regional Medical Center and operated by Air Methods.
San Juan County Celebrates New Extension Office

The San Juan County Extension Service Building project is one of 14 projects funded by $13 million recovered in New Mexico’s 2022 settlements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA contractors, and mining defendants for injuries to natural resources resulting from the August 2015 Gold King Mine blowout.
2024 Election: San Juan County Contested Races

These are the unofficial election results from voting on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 of the contested races in San Juan County, NM.
Local Freight Rail to receive up to $4 Million more for project

The (Four Corners Freight Rail) project aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing resilience and improving system and service performance, as the project will provide a viable freight transportation modal alternative to highway trucking, opportunities to simplify the supply chain, and enable new, rail-dependent economic development opportunities thereby imparting benefits to the Navajo Nation and surrounding communities.
Teen Boy Fatally Stabbed, Mother Beaten, Juvenile Suspect Arrested

The victim is a 12-year old boy who died of apparent stab wounds. A second victim, believed to be the suspect’s mother, sustained injuries from a blunt object attack and is being treated at CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital in Durango. The names of the victims are being withheld as the investigation is ongoing. The incident was reported by a motorist who was involved in a single vehicle accident shortly after 7 a.m., believed to have been caused by the suspect as he fled the residence on Snowy Peaks Way. Deputies discovered the scene when they arrived to investigate the accident.
Woman & Bystander Fatally Shot in Farmington

Andrew Wittenberg has been charged with aggravated burglary, larceny of a firearm, two counts of first-degree murder, and tampering with evidence. The investigation is still ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.