Flood Warning for the Little Colorado River
A Flood Warning is in effect for the Little Colorado River at Birdsprings, Arizona, on October 2, 2026, as water levels remain elevated following earlier excessive rainfall.
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff reported that flooding is occurring along the Little Colorado River near Birdsprings. The warning covers portions of Coconino and Navajo counties and is scheduled to remain in effect until 2:15 AM MST / 3:15 AM MDT Saturday, October 3. (National Weather Service)
Dangerous Conditions Near Birdsprings
The flooding is particularly concerning around low-water crossings and approaches to bridges.
Earlier National Weather Service information indicated that the approaches to the bridge over the Little Colorado River on Navajo Route 71 near Birdsprings can flood as river levels rise. (National Weather Service)
Flooded crossings can become extremely dangerous because water may be deeper and faster-moving than it appears from the roadway.
Areas of Concern
Residents and travelers near the Little Colorado River should be especially alert around:
- Birdsprings
- Navajo Route 71
- River crossings and bridge approaches
- Low-water crossings
- Roads near the river and surrounding flood-prone areas
Why the River Is Flooding
The current flooding follows earlier excessive rainfall, which produced runoff into the Little Colorado River system. The National Weather Service noted that water levels at the Little Colorado River near Winslow had crested but remained above action stage, while flooding continued downstream near Birdsprings. (National Weather Service)
Even after rainfall ends, rivers can continue rising or remain elevated as runoff moves downstream.
Flood Safety: Turn Around, Don’t Drown
A flooded road or crossing should never be treated as safe simply because the water appears shallow.
If you encounter floodwater:
- 🚗 Do not drive through flooded roads or crossings.
- 🔄 Turn around and find another route.
- 🌊 Never walk or drive through moving water.
- 🚧 Follow road closures and barricades.
- 📱 Monitor updates from the National Weather Service and local officials.
- ⚠️ Stay away from riverbanks, washes and fast-moving water.
The National Weather Service specifically warns that most flood deaths occur in vehicles and urges people to turn around when encountering flooded roads. (National Weather Service)
What Residents and Travelers Should Know
Flooding can change quickly, especially around river crossings. Water can cover roadways, weaken the ground around crossings and create strong currents capable of moving vehicles.
People traveling through the Birdsprings area should allow extra time, monitor conditions and avoid any road where water is flowing across the pavement.
Essentials
📍 Location: Little Colorado River at Birdsprings, Arizona
⚠️ Hazard: River flooding
🌧️ Cause: Runoff from earlier excessive rainfall
🚧 Main concern: Flooding near low-water crossings and river approaches
⏰ Warning: Through early Saturday, October 3
🚗 Key safety message: Turn around, don’t drown.
Bottom Line
The Little Colorado River at Birdsprings, Arizona, is under a Flood Warning on October 2, 2026, with flooding occurring near the river and dangerous conditions possible at low-water crossings. (National Weather Service)
Anyone traveling near Birdsprings should avoid flooded crossings and never attempt to drive through moving water. Conditions can remain dangerous even after the heaviest rainfall has ended.
