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Flood waters crept up to boarded up homes along County Road 501 on the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 in Vallecito, Colo. The unprecedented flooding caused substantial damage to residential roads, homes and infrastructure.
David Small, with La Plata County Roads, uses a shovel to clear debris from County Road 500 as a vehicle passes through water flowing over the road at the north end of Vallecito Valley. Unprecedented flooding impacted residential neighborhoods and roads in early October 2025.
Vallecito Creek flows at historic levels in October 2025 following heavy rainfall sent by Hurricane Priscilla. Photographed at the north end of Vallecito Valley, near the Vallecito Campground, trees and other debris are seen in the fast moving; turbulent water was estimated at close to 7,000 CFS.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley, Special to The Colorado Sun
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley, Special to The Colorado Sun
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley, Special to The Colorado Sun
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Financial support needed for Vallecito road repairs following historic flooding

Friday - February 6, 2026 by Community Foundation serving SW Colorado

In October, relentless rain turned Vallecito Creek into a torrent, washing over roads, forcing evacuations, and upending daily life for hundreds of residents. Nearly 9.5 inches of rain fell over the course of several days, pushing creek flows to historic levels and leaving behind damaged infrastructure that many neighborhoods are still struggling to repair months later. 

While emergency response, debris removal, and initial recovery efforts helped stabilize the area, long-term needs remain – particularly for residents facing extensive damage to private roads. 

The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado reminds the public that the Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) La Plata Flood Relief Fund remains open to support Vallecito residents as recovery continues. The fund has currently raised $7,736, and the Foundation’s Board of Directors has committed a $15,000 matching gift, doubling donations once the community reaches that goal. 

One of the remaining needs for residents is road repairs north of County Road 501, including Vallecito Valley I and II, Mushroom Lane, and Mushroom Drive, where floodwater caused significant road damage. 

Residents have said that they’re mostly in need of road repairs in the areas that are not part of a traditional HOA. Many neighborhoods rely on road HOAs that collect dues only for snow plowing and routine maintenance, which do not have the reserves to cover the amount of damage caused by the flood. 

Unlike roads maintained by counties or HOAs with capital reserves, these private and semi-formal road systems lack the financial capacity to absorb major flood impacts. Unrepaired roads pose ongoing safety concerns, limiting emergency access, and daily travel.  

Funds raised through the CERF La Plata Flood Relief Fund will be used specifically to support critical road restoration and access improvements, helping residents safely remain in their homes and connected to their community. 

During the October flooding, 390 homes were evacuated; emergency crews worked around the clock, and Vallecito and Grimes creeks surged to unprecedented levels. While disaster assessments and other aid sources continue to unfold, local philanthropy remains one of the fastest and most flexible ways to address unmet recovery needs. 

Now is a critical moment to give. Every dollar donated will be matched up to $15,000, immediately doubling its impact for Vallecito residents still navigating recovery. 

Donations to the CERF La Plata Flood Relief Fund can be made here. Checks made out to the Community Foundation – Memo: La Plata County CERF – can be mailed to the P.O. Box 1673 Durango, CO 81302. 

Together, Southwest Colorado can ensure Vallecito residents are not left to shoulder essential repairs alone – and that recovery continues where it’s needed most. 

The Community Foundation inspires hope, leadership and generosity in the community by bringing economic stability, professional development and collaboration to the nonprofit sector. As a community facilitator, the Community Foundation works to increase efficiency, sustainability and success for nonprofits, while maximizing effective grant-making for philanthropists. 

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