Campers evacuated from flooding at Big Bend National Park

The Big Bend area of Texas received significant amounts of rainfall during the past few days, causing flash floods, dangerous conditions, and flooding along the Rio Grande.

On July 3, river flows exceeded 30,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) at Rio Grande Village and 18,000 cfs at Castolon, causing localized flooding in Big Bend National Park. Tornillo Creek and Terlingua Creek are full and are delivering large amounts of water to the Rio Grande. Smaller arroyos are flash flooding as well.

Floodwaters have reached low-lying areas in the Rio Grande Village campground, and campers have been evacuated and moved to campsites in the Chisos Basin campground.

Campers with reservations at primitive roadside campsites have also been moved to the Chisos Basin campground, because unpaved roads are impassible.

Flash floods have caused minor damage and left debris and standing water on paved park roads. Due to wet conditions, mud, and potential washouts, unpaved roads have been temporarily closed until they can be assessed. Additionally, the paved road between Castolon and Santa Elena Canyon is underwater and has been temporarily closed. Motorists are advised to be alert for standing water and debris on all area roads.

At these river levels it is unsafe to cross the Rio Grande, and the Boquillas Port of Entry will be closed until floodwaters recede to a safe level.

The park is acting to protect historic structures, such as Alvino House in the Castolon area, from floodwaters. The Hot Springs Historic District is flooded and inaccessible.

More rain is forecast over the next few days. As the high water currently in Castolon moves downstream, it may impact Rio Grande Village on Friday, potentially causing another rise in river levels at that location.

Visitors are encouraged to check the park website alerts for current conditions and to check with rangers at the Panther Junction Visitor Center.

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