Enter any address in Calaveras County, California to see its FEMA flood zone
River overflow along the Calaveras River and its tributaries is the dominant flood character for Calaveras County. Between 2004 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 36 flood events and 5 flash flood events in the county, resulting in 3 fatalities. For example, a strong winter storm in February 2025 brought 1 to 6 inches of rain, causing roads to flood and become covered with mud and rocks in mountain and foothill areas.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data from Calaveras County shows that properties in Zone A experienced 41 claims with an average payout of $32,922 and an average water depth of 3.5 feet. Properties in Zone X had 22 claims with an average payout of $21,575 and an average water depth of 1.0 foot. Homeowners in Zone A and Zone D, as well as those in areas with unknown flood risk, should pay the most attention to flood preparedness.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
16 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Calaveras County, California has recorded 41 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 5 flash floods and 36 river or area floods. The county has received 23 federal disaster declarations, 5 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1977–2025)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2-7 Fire | Fire | Sep 2, 2025 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Flood | Mar 9, 2023 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Feb 21, 2023 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Flood | Dec 27, 2022 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Feb 13, 2019 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, And Mudslides | Flood | Feb 1, 2017 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Jan 18, 2017 |
| Butte Fire | Fire | Sep 9, 2015 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Dec 24, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 13, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jan 14, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Mar 12, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Mar 11, 2023 | 20.00K |
| Flood | Mar 10, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jan 10, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Dec 31, 2022 | 100.00K |
| Flood | Dec 31, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Dec 10, 2022 | 0.00K |
Flood — Dec 24, 2025
A prolonged period of wet weather brought heavy snowfall and strong winds to the Sierra Nevada. Heaviest snowfall was observed from 12/24-12/26 when snow levels came down below the mountain passes. Snowfall measurements over the 12/24-12/26 timeframe were around 2-5 ft per Caltrans, Ski resorts, and UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab. Southerly wind gusts of 50-80 mph were observed as well acr...
Flood — Feb 13, 2025
A strong winter storm from late February 12th into Friday, February 14th brought heavy snow, rain, and gusty winds. This brought from 1 to 6 inches of rain, with totals of 2 to nearly 4 feet of heavy snow above 4500 feet. Gusty southerly wind gusts of 25 to 50 mph in the Valley, 40 to 60 mph in the mountains and foothills were recorded. Roads were reported to be flooded, as well as covered with...
Flood — Jan 14, 2023
A major winter storm in mid-January brought widespread rain, heavy mountain snow, gusty winds, flooding and significant mountain travel impacts. Thunderstorms developed on January 14, producing funnel clouds and a tornado in Sacramento County. Downed trees and roadway flooding were also reported.
Flash Flood — Mar 12, 2023
A wet system brought periods of heavy rain with flooding. There was 1 to 2 feet of snow accumulated above 6,500 feet, locally higher on some peaks. Heavy rain fell bringing widespread roadway flooding, as well as local mudslides, flash flooding, with evacuations ordered in some areas. Thunderstorms with large hail, strong damaging winds and tornadoes were reported. Strong winds gusting to 55 to...
Flash Flood — Mar 11, 2023
A wet system brought periods of heavy rain with flooding. There was 1 to 2 feet of snow accumulated above 6,500 feet, locally higher on some peaks. Heavy rain fell bringing widespread roadway flooding, as well as local mudslides, flash flooding, with evacuations ordered in some areas. Thunderstorms with large hail, strong damaging winds and tornadoes were reported. Strong winds gusting to 55 to...
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Individual Claims (2.25M records analyzed).
FEMA assigns flood zone designations to areas in Calaveras County, California:
AE High Risk — 1% annual chance of flooding. Insurance required.
VE Very High Risk — Coastal flooding with wave action.
X (Shaded) Moderate Risk — 500-year floodplain.
X Low Risk — Outside major floodplains.
Properties in Calaveras County, California that are in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A and V) with federally backed mortgages are required to carry flood insurance.
Even outside high-risk zones, flood insurance is recommended. From 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP claims came from outside the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area.
Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent and get a quote.