Animas River
The Animas peaked above 11,000 cfs, rising about 4.8 feet, and flooded parts of the Animas Valley north of town.
Water Damage & Flood Cleanup in Durango, CO
Durango had its wettest October on record in 2026, and the Animas River flooded the valley north of town. Many of the region's restoration companies are based here. Describe your water damage or mold problem once and independent companies can reply with free, no-obligation quotes.
Get a Free QuoteDurango water damage, October 2026
As of November 1, 2026, from Colorado Sun reporting on October 27.
Roads
County Roads 334 and 520 were closed during the flooding. Check La Plata County for current road status.
Rainfall
Durango set an all-time record for October precipitation, which also means saturated soil and wet crawl spaces across town.
Report damage to the county. La Plata County's Office of Emergency Management collected flood damage reports in October 2026; find the current contact on the county website. La Plata is in the state disaster emergency, but as of November 1, 2026 it is not in the October 31 federal request, which covers Archuleta and Rio Grande counties for public assistance only. FEMA Individual Assistance has not been approved. If you are under an evacuation order anywhere in the region, leave first.
Mold removal in Durango
A wet month leaves a lot of homes with damp crawl spaces and wall cavities. The EPA says that if wet materials are dried within 24 to 48 hours, mold usually won't grow. After that window, assume it may be growing where you can't see it.
Colorado has no state license for mold remediation, so the questions you ask matter:
- Will you find and fix the moisture source first?
- How will you contain the work area?
- What will be removed versus cleaned, and how will you verify the area is dry?
- Is your crew IICRC trained, and can I see your insurance certificate?
National published ranges put mold remediation at $1,200 to $3,750, averaging about $2,300 (This Old House). Durango quotes come from the companies. More detail: mold after flooding.
A bigger town, older homes
Durango is the La Plata County seat, about 48 miles west of Pagosa Springs in a straight line and farther by US 160. The Census estimated 19,733 residents in 2025. The 2020 to 2024 survey counted 9,634 housing units, 53.0% owner-occupied, with a median year built of 1989. Only 2.3% are seasonal homes, so Durango's mix of renters and owners shapes the job more than vacant cabins do.
Renters: tell your landlord in writing and photograph your belongings. Your renters policy may cover your contents; the building is the owner's responsibility. Landlords: move quickly on drying so tenants can stay or return.
Older homes also bring a tear-out question. Flood-damaged drywall in older houses may contain asbestos in joint compound or tape, and Colorado requires inspection before disturbing more than small amounts (32 square feet in a single-family home). For homes built before 1978, ask whether the company follows the EPA lead-safe rule.
Services Durango homeowners ask about
- Flood cleanup and water extraction for river or groundwater flooding
- Structural drying with daily moisture logs
- Frozen and burst pipes once winter sets in
- Claim documentation for your insurer
Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood. If you have NFIP flood coverage, the signed proof of loss is due within 60 days of the loss unless FEMA extends it.
Get water damage quotes in Durango
Tell us the neighborhood, what got wet and when. Independent companies serving Durango reply directly, with no obligation. You can also call (970) 408-5771.
Typical national ranges: water extraction $3.75 to $7.50 per square foot (Fixr); typical job $1,200 to $5,000. See the cost guide.
Durango questions
How much does mold removal cost in Durango?
National published ranges put mold remediation at about $1,200 to $3,750, with an average near $2,300 (This Old House). The price depends on how much area is affected, whether walls must be opened and whether the moisture source needs repair. Get written estimates from more than one company.
Is FEMA help available in Durango for the 2026 flooding?
As of November 1, 2026, no. FEMA Individual Assistance has not been approved for the 2026 flooding, and the state's October 31 federal request covers public assistance in Archuleta and Rio Grande counties only. Check La Plata County and the state for updates. This site is not affiliated with FEMA or any government agency.
Do I need a licensed contractor for water damage restoration in Durango?
Colorado has no state license for water damage restoration or mold remediation. Plumbers and electricians are state-licensed, so ask for those licenses for pipe or electrical work. For the restoration company, ask for an insurance certificate, a written estimate and, if you like, proof of IICRC training.
Nearby areas
Flood or water damage? Get free quotes.
Tell us what happened and independent restoration companies serving Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County can reply with no-obligation quotes.