Above normal temperatures accelerated snowmelt from a near-record snowpack. This  resulted in high and fast flows on several rivers and drainages across Western Colorado. The increased runoff and flooding compromised several county roads and bridges across Montezuma, Archuleta, Routt, Delta, Dolores, Montrose, and Moffat counties.

Flood in MONTEZUMA, COLORADO
From 09-APR-23 05:00:00 to 15-APR-23 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: DOLORES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Rapid snowmelt from the Dolores River led to various drainages breaching their banks. This resulted in flooded downtown residential buildings in the town of Dolores. The water also flooded streets, some yards, and school playgrounds. Flood waters did not recede for several days.

Flood in ARCHULETA, COLORADO
From 11-APR-23 16:00:00 to 11-APR-23 17:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: PAGOSA SPGS ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 2.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Park/Forest Service

The Pagosa Ranger District in the San Juan National Forest reported at least three instances of flooding on Piedra Road (CR 600) north of the Turkey Springs Trailhead. The flooding was the result of rapid runoff from snowmelt.

Flood in MONTROSE, COLORADO
From 11-APR-23 20:00:00 to 15-APR-23 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: MONTROSE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Rapid snowmelt resulted in portions of Dave Wood Road to be washed out from flooding.

Flood in DOLORES, COLORADO
From 12-APR-23 14:00:00 to 15-APR-23 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: DOVE CREEK ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Rapid snowmelt resulted in flooding across Road 9.7 in Dolores County, as the Dolores River overran its banks. The road was closed for a prolonged period as flood waters did not recede for several days. The accelerated snowmelt and subsequent pooling of water flooded the local high school, which damaged the gym flooring.

Flood in ROUTT, COLORADO
From 12-APR-23 23:00:00 to 15-APR-23 17:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: HAYDEN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Rapid snowmelt resulted in Dry Creek, which runs underneath Highway 40, coming out of its banks. As a result, Highway 40 was closed and shut down in both directions from Craig to Steamboat Springs due to safety concerns. Schools in Hayden were closed. Flood waters did not recede for several days.

Flood in MONTROSE, COLORADO
From 13-APR-23 06:00:00 to 14-APR-23 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: MONTROSE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

As a result of rapid snowmelt, a portion of Spring Canyon Road in Montrose County was closed due to flooding.

Flood in DELTA, COLORADO
From 13-APR-23 06:30:00 to 13-APR-23 08:30:00 (MST-7)
Location: PAONIA ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Rapid snowmelt resulted in flooding across Bell Creek Road outside Paonia as Bell Creek overran its banks.

Flood in MONTROSE, COLORADO
From 13-APR-23 08:00:00 to 15-APR-23 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: URAVAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Rapid snowmelt led the Dolores River to overrun its banks. This led to flooding across Y11 Road in Montrose County, near Uravan.

Flood in ARCHULETA, COLORADO
From 13-APR-23 09:00:00 to 15-APR-23 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: CHIMNEY ROCK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The Piedra River overran its banks due to rapid snowmelt. This led to portions of Colorado Highway 151, south of Chimney Rock National Monument, to be flooded and closed for an extended period of time.

Flood in MOFFAT, COLORADO
From 13-APR-23 16:00:00 to 15-APR-23 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: CRAIG
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Rapid snowmelt resulted in flooding across portions of Moffat County, focused in downtown Craig. Fortification Creek near City Park exceeded its banks. Several county roads were closed as a result of the flooding. Flood waters did not recede for a couple of days.