FLOOD ROAD CLOSURES!!
Click here for Updated Road Closures!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13U9WR_Z_ZbJPshjvE7dkjRbF7pr8H_lk/edit#gid=1392167127
CONEJOS COUNTY SHERIFF
NEWS RELEASE
14044 County Road G.5
Antonito, CO 81129
Phone # 719-376-2196 Sheriff Garth Crowther
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Date:05/22/23 Time: 0600
As expected, due to heavy snowmelt, Conejos County is under a county wide flood watch with several areas already flooding. Low lying areas are now under water and conditions will continue to deteriorate for the next several days. Conejos County has numerous road closures according to Road and Bridge Supervisor Donnie Martinez. Road and Bridge personnel, The County Commissioner’s, Sheriff’s Personnel and Emergency Manager Rodney King are working around the clock to ensure the safety of our citizens. We would all ask that the public be patient as we are unable to perform road maintenance until the water recedes.
We would like to remind people to be aware and prepared for voluntary evacuations if necessary. It is advised that people living in areas that are in danger of flooding or have medical conditions, prepare an emergency Go Bag containing medication, money, and important documents.
During flood watch or warning
- Gather emergency supplies, including non-perishable food and water. Store at least 1 gallon of drinking water per day for each person and pet.
- Listen to your local radio and please make sure you are signed up with Everbridge, Conejos County’s emergency notification system.
- For information you can go to conejoscounty.colorado.gov or to Conejos County Sheriff’s Facebook Page.
- If it looks like you need to evacuate, turn off all utilities at the main switch and close the main gas valve.
- Leave the areas subject to flooding such as low spots, canyons, washes etc.
After Flooding Occurs
- Do not drive through flooded areas or standing water, cars or other vehicles will not protect you from floodwaters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water
- Do not drink flood water, or use it to wash dishes, brush teeth, or wash or prepare food. (Drink clean safe water).
- If you evacuated, return home only after local authorities have given the ok to do so.
- Listen for boil water advisories. Local authorities will let you know if your water is safe for drinking.
- When in doubt, throw it out. Throw away any food or bottled water that comes or may have contacted floodwater.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Use generators at least 20 feet from any door, windows or vents.
Welcome to Conejos County
Welcome to the official Conejos County website! We appreciate your interest in Conejos County, Colorado. We hope that our site is useful in providing visitors and residents with valuable information about ConejosCounty government and the community in which we live. As you navigate around our site you will find useful information for various services and community resources and answers to frequently asked questions. We hope that this information is helpful to you.
Geography of Conejos County
Conejos County is located at the southern end of Colorado's beautiful San Luis Valley, the world's largest alpine valley. The county has an area of approximately 825,741 acres or 1,290 square miles (slightly larger than the state of Rhode Island). The eastern portion of the county is characterized by the nearly level valley floor which lies at an average elevation of about 7,700 feet. The stunning San Juan Mountains rise from the western portion of the county to a height of about 13,000 feet. Conejos County is bounded by the Rio Grande (River) to the east and the State of New Mexico to the south. Sixty-six percent of the county is owned by state or federal entities, including the mountainous areas that are part of the Rio Grande National Forest. Small towns and wide open farms and pasturelands characterize the remaining thirty four percent of the land that is privately owned. The county has five municipalities- Manassa, La Jara, Antonito, Sanford and Romeo- Manassa being the largest with a population of just over 1,000 people. As in all agricultural areas of the West, water is the lifeblood of the community. In addition to the Rio Grande, the county is traversed by the Conejos, Alamosa, and San Antonio Rivers and La Jara Creek, as well as hundreds of irrigation ditches that bring water to our fields.
History of Conejos County
Conejos County was one of the original 17 counties created by the Colorado legislature on November 1, 1861. Although it was first called Guadalupe County it was renamed Conejos, the Spanish word for "rabbits", one week later. The original boundaries of the county included much of the southwestern corner of Colorado. In 1874, most of the western and northern portion of the county was broken away to form parts of Hinsdale, La Plata and Rio Grande Counties. Conejos County achieved its modern borders in 1885 when its western half was taken to create Archuleta County. Today, County government is based in the community of Conejos.
Because it is the site of some of the earliest settlements in Colorado, rural ConejosCounty contains some important historical sites. The town of Antonito is home to the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, a narrow gauge steam engine railroad constructed in 1880 which makes the daily trek from Antonito to Chama, New Mexico during the summer and fall. Just north east of the town of Sanford is Pikes Stockade, the site where Zebulon Pike raised the American flag in 1807 over what was then Spanish Territory. The stockade was reconstructed using Pike's journal and is maintained by the Colorado Historic Society. Conejos, the County seat, is also home to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Parish, the oldest parish church in Colorado. The community of Manassa hosts Pioneer Days each July. The event celebrates the arrival of Mormon pioneers and is one of the largest events in the San Luis Valley. The Jack Dempsey Museum, also located in Manassa, honors the "Manassa Mauler" who held the world heavyweight boxing title from 1919 to 1926.
