Enter any address in Archuleta County, Colorado to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the primary flood hazard in Archuleta County. Between 2015 and 2025, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 8 flash flood events and 7 flood events. For example, a flash flood event occurred in September 2025, driven by monsoonal moisture. Another significant flood event in October 2025 resulted from remnants of two tropical storms, bringing rainfall totals of 3 to 8 inches to the region.
FEMA data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced flood claims. These claims averaged $8,027 and involved an average water depth of 0.5 feet. Homeowners and real estate agents should pay particular attention to properties located in Zone A, as well as those situated near waterways, given the historical occurrence of both flash flooding and more widespread flood events.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
9 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Archuleta County, Colorado has recorded 15 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 8 flash floods and 7 river or area floods. The county has received 8 federal disaster declarations, 3 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1970–2025)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Oak Fire | Fire | Aug 10, 2025 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Coastal Storm | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Drought | Drought | Jan 29, 1977 |
| Flooding & Landslides | Flood | Jul 6, 1973 |
| Heavy Rains & Flooding | Flood | Sep 22, 1970 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Oct 13, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 12, 2025 | 30.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 12, 2025 | 4.00K |
| Flood | Oct 11, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 13, 2023 | 5.00K |
| Flood | Apr 11, 2023 | 2.50K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 1, 2022 | 5.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 16, 2014 | 25.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 15, 2014 | 250.00K |
| Flood | Apr 17, 2010 | 5.00K |
Flood — Oct 13, 2025
Between October 10-14, 2025, southwest Colorado experienced prolonged periods of rain and some of the largest multiday rainfall totals on record with rainfall accumulations between 3 and 8 inches, with locally higher amounts across the San Juan Mountains. Remnants from two tropical storms supplied anomalous moisture across the region, with minimal break between events. The first round of heavy ...
Flash Flood — Sep 12, 2025
The period between the 11th and 13th of September had a relatively unique meteorological setup for western Colorado and eastern Utah. A potent closed low was located over Southern California, and a ridge of high pressure was located to our southeast, directing a rich plume of monsoonal moisture northward through the Four Corners. Mixing ratios in this plume of moisture were more than high enoug...
Flood — Oct 11, 2025
Between October 10-14, 2025, southwest Colorado experienced prolonged periods of rain and some of the largest multiday rainfall totals on record with rainfall accumulations between 3 and 8 inches, with locally higher amounts across the San Juan Mountains. Remnants from two tropical storms supplied anomalous moisture across the region, with minimal break between events. The first round of heavy ...
Flood — Apr 13, 2023
Above normal temperatures accelerated snowmelt from a near-record snowpack. This resulted in high and fast flows on several rivers and drainages across Western Colorado. The increased runoff and flooding compromised several county roads and bridges across Montezuma, Archuleta, Routt, Delta, Dolores, Montrose, and Moffat counties.
Flood — Apr 11, 2023
Above normal temperatures accelerated snowmelt from a near-record snowpack. This resulted in high and fast flows on several rivers and drainages across Western Colorado. The increased runoff and flooding compromised several county roads and bridges across Montezuma, Archuleta, Routt, Delta, Dolores, Montrose, and Moffat counties.
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 Archuleta County, Colorado:
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 Archuleta County, Colorado 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.