The park said they are acting to protect historic structures from the flooding concerns.
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Texas — The Big Bend National Park is reporting that they have received significant amounts of rainfall during the past few days, causing major flooding along the Rio Grande and other parts of the park.
On Thursday, river flows exceeded 30,000 cubic feet per second at Rio Grande Village and 18,000 cubic feet per second at Castolon, causing flooding in the park.
According to a park official, Tornillo Creek and Terlingua Creek are full and are delivering large amounts of water to the Rio Grande.
Campers at the Rio Grande Village campground had to be evacuated and moved to campsites in the Chisos Basin campground. The park stated that campers with reservations at primitive roadside campsites have also been moved to the Chisos Basin campground, due to unpaved roads being impassable.
Paved park roads have received minor damage, left debris, and standing water due to the flash flooding.
According to a park official, due to wet conditions, mud and potential washouts, unpaved roads have been temporarily closed until they can be assessed.
The paved road between Castolon and Santa Elena Canyon has been temporarily closed due to it being underwater.
The park said it is unsafe to cross the Rio Grande, and the Boquillas Port of Entry will be closed until floodwaters recede to a safe level.
An official said the park is working to protect historic structures like the Alvino House in the Castolon area. The Hot Springs Historic District is flooded and inaccessible.
The park said that as high water currently in Castolon moves downstream, it may impact Rio Grande Village on Friday.
“Visitors are encouraged to check the park website for current conditions and alerts at https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/conditions.htm and to check with rangers at the Panther Junction Visitor Center,” the park said.