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

Navajo Nation agrees (again) to help fund N-36/NM 371 Intersection Improvements

The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.
Racing Commission Approves SunRay Move to Clovis

The move will not affect the 2026 racing season in San Juan County. Live racing is scheduled for April 17 – May 24, 2026. San Juan County has previously said that McGee Park and the San Juan County Fairgrounds would not be impacted by any changes at the casino and horse racing track.
*Update* Arrest Made in Child's Death

The suspect, John Hannon, the child’s father, was arrested on 2/9/26 on unrelated charges. He was served with the following charges while at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center:
90 Dogs Rescued in Bloomfield

The rescue effort also received substantial financial support, from various donors. This outside support significantly reduced the financial impact on local resources and ensured the operation did not place a major burden on San Juan County taxpayers.
Resident Dies after House Fire N. of Aztec

Crews arrived to find a structure on fire and the occupant inside. Despite a quick response from fire crews and efforts by San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputies, one occupant was removed from the structure by firefighters and transported to the hospital by San Juan Regional Medical Center EMS. The occupant was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Diné College Selects New President

Dr. Jackson-Dennison, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation (Diné), brings nearly four decades of experience in educational leadership, with a career dedicated to advancing Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination, and academic excellence. Her leadership reflects a unique ability to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems with Western academic frameworks, a hallmark of her scholarship and professional practice.