I was on a similar trail in the San Juans and was a passenger in a Jeep. It came a downpour and water was rushing off the mountain, across the road. I got out to check it out, and had we went over at that particular spot, we would be surfing down a huge drop on a waterfall. I refused to do it, and walked across the water rushing across the road. My friend, however, drove across it.
A situation like that is where a person has to think for themselves. Never mind what looks easy for somebody else.
You did the right thing.