Enter any address in Huerfano County, Colorado to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from intense thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Huerfano County. Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 61 instances of flash flooding, compared to 12 general flood events. Recent events include flash flooding on June 9, 2024, caused by heavy rainfall from stalled storm boundaries, and July 11, 2022, when rainfall near higher terrain led to flash flooding and debris flows across burn scars.
Homeowners in areas identified as Zone A by FEMA should pay the most attention to flood risk. While Zone A claims are infrequent, they have shown an average payout and water depth. Properties located in or near areas prone to rapid runoff from intense rainfall, especially those downstream of burn scars or in low-lying terrain, are most susceptible to flash flood impacts.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
29 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Huerfano County, Colorado has recorded 73 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 61 flash floods and 12 river or area floods. The county has received 10 federal disaster declarations, 1 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1977–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Spring Creek Fire | Fire | Jun 28, 2018 |
| East Peak Fire | Fire | Jun 19, 2013 |
| Snow | Snowstorm | Dec 28, 2006 |
| Mauricio Canyon Fire | Fire | Jan 7, 2006 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Coastal Storm | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Snow | Snowstorm | Mar 17, 2003 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Drought | Drought | Jan 29, 1977 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jun 9, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 11, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 7, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 31, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 25, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 2, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 2, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 28, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 26, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 15, 2020 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jun 9, 2024
A boundary stalled out over the plains and resulted in the development of strong storms. Heavy rainfall from thunderstorms produced some flash flooding in Huerfano and Pueblo Counties. Isolated stronger storms (sub-severe) also developed further west over Saguache County, resulting in some hail (below severe criteria) and a brief landspout was also reported.
Flash Flood — Jul 11, 2022
Strongest thunderstorm development with the heaviest rainfall on this day was focused over and near the higher terrain. Highest rainfall amounts approaching two inches in a short amount of time caused flash flooding and debris flows across multiple burn scars.
Flash Flood — Aug 7, 2022
Numerous heavy rains and severe thunderstorms developed all across the region during the afternoon and evening of August 7th. Numerous flash floods, mud and debris slides, and damaging winds and hail were all reported as storms moved from the central mountains onto the eastern CO plains.
Flash Flood — Jul 31, 2021
The combination of the monsoon plume and moist low level upslope flow allowed for thunderstorms with heavy rainfall and flash flooding to occur on this day across the region. The highest concern for flash flooding was over the mountains and I-25 corridor region, but later in the evening, additional flash flooding occurred along and south of Highway 50.
Flash Flood — Jul 25, 2021
Another active period across southern Colorado on this day, with showers and thunderstorms observed over much of the area. The eastern mountain and I-25 corridor interface was a location with more widespread development, especially along the Highway 50 corridor. In this area, heavy rainfall with flooding, large hail, and damaging winds were observed.
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 Huerfano 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 Huerfano 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.