Wolf Creek Ski Area announced its temporary closure on Saturday, October 31, following their Halloween opening day as historic flooding continued to impact Colorado’s San Juan River Basin. The closure began Sunday, November 1, and will remain in effect until the mandatory evacuation order in Archuleta County is lifted.
Wolf Creek Closes Until Evacuation Order Is Lifted
In its October 31 announcement, Wolf Creek said the closure was a precautionary measure based on recommendations from local and state authorities. Archuleta County has experienced a 100-year flood, with record-breaking flooding throughout the San Juan River Basin. With municipal, county, and state agencies already under significant strain responding to the emergency, Wolf Creek decided that temporarily closing was in the best interest of public safety.
The closure came just one day after Wolf Creek began welcoming skiers and snowboarders for the 2026-27 winter season.
Another Storm, More Flooding
Archuleta County also issued an urgent evacuation warning on October 31, cautioning residents about another approaching storm that could make an already difficult situation considerably worse. The county’s forecast called for up to three inches of additional rain across most of the county, along with 12 to 30 inches of snow in the high country depending on elevation.
The San Juan River in Pagosa Springs was expected to crest at 10.58 feet, exceeding the river’s 10.5-foot minor flood stage. The Piedra River near Arboles was also forecast to rise to 5.92 feet.
A Winter Weather Watch was in effect as officials urged residents in low-lying areas to evacuate while resources remained available. County officials warned that conditions following the storm could delay emergency responses, while aircraft used in rescue operations might be grounded during the incoming weather.
Residents needing evacuation assistance were instructed to contact Archuleta County’s non-emergency dispatch line at 970-731-2160.
As of Monday, November 2, Wolf Creek’s reopening timeline is uncertain. The ski area said its website would be updated as additional information became available, with operations suspended until the mandatory evacuation order is lifted.