Oak Creek Floods: Page Springs Residents Face Extensive Cleanup

Oak Creek rose to a historic 21 feet over the weekend, submerging parts of Page Springs and the surrounding Yavapai County area in mud and debris by Monday morning. The surge left deep layers of silt across the region, forcing many residents to evacuate their homes and businesses. Local officials and residents describe the event as the most severe flooding seen in the area in recent memory, with cleanup efforts only now beginning.

The water level at the local gauge exceeded 21 feet, a mark that Eric Glomski, founder of Page Springs Vineyards and Cellars, identified as the highest he has witnessed while living in Arizona. The floodwaters carried a variety of objects downstream, including trees, stumps, refrigerators, and kayaks. Dean Pefanis, a resident and the president of the Verde Valley Wine Trail, noted the sheer volume of debris that moved through the river. Glomski’s property absorbed a significant portion of this detritus, including a Jeep that washed down from a nearby trailer park. He observed that a large single wide trailer had pivoted nearly 100 degrees, wedging against the riverbank, while another trailer was found lodged in a tree.

The physical toll on local infrastructure and property is already evident. Glomski reported that a 50 by 20 foot stage, complete with lighting and electrical systems, was completely destroyed on his grounds, though the vines themselves remained mostly intact. He estimates his own damages at between $75,000 and $100,000 and believes the total community losses will reach into the millions. Many residents believe the burn scar from the recent Pocket Fire contributed to the excessive runoff and severity of the flood.

The humanitarian impact has required local organizations to adapt to the crisis. Charlotte Peterson, executive director of the Verde Valley Humane Society, said her medical team received a call from a displaced family with six cats, four goats, and sheep. The organization accepted two goats and two sheep into their care, despite not being specifically equipped for livestock. Peterson stated that the shelter would make it work to help the animals if needed. As the community assesses the full extent of the damage, Glomski emphasized that most local vineyards and businesses remain open and welcoming to visitors during this peak tourist season.

The cleanup process is expected to take time as residents sort through the mud and debris left behind by the receding waters. The event has disrupted daily life for many in the Verde Valley, with families still displaced and properties under evaluation for repairs. The local economy, particularly the tourism and wine sectors, is bracing for the financial impact while attempting to maintain normal operations for the ongoing season.