Enter any address in Las Animas County, Colorado to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from summer thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Las Animas County. Between 2000 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 15 flash flood events and 5 general flood events. For example, on July 31, 2021, heavy rainfall from monsoon storms caused flash flooding across the region, impacting areas along and south of Highway 50. Another instance occurred on July 29, 2017, when slow-moving storms produced flash flooding, including a significant event on the Junkins burn scar.
Homeowners in Zone A, which has seen NFIP claims with an average payout of $4,494 and an average water depth of 0.5 feet, should pay the most attention to flood risk. Properties in Zone X_Shaded, which has also had NFIP claims, should also be aware of potential flood impacts.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
3 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Las Animas County, Colorado has recorded 20 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 15 flash floods and 5 river or area floods. The county has received 13 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 (1965–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| 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 |
| Co - James John / Fisher - 06/03/02 | Fire | Jun 2, 2002 |
| Co - Spring Fire - 06/03/02 | Fire | Jun 2, 2002 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Flooding 4/30/99 | Severe Storm | Apr 29, 1999 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 31, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 22, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 29, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 9, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 29, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 14, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 3, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 25, 2010 | 20.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 25, 2009 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 21, 2009 | 10.00K |
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 — May 22, 2021
Severe weather was the main concern on this day as an upper level low lifted across the region. Thunderstorms did occur late in the day and while most of them stayed below severe limits, a few storms produced high winds and large hail. Additionally, stronger winds were observed across parts of the higher terrain.
Flash Flood — Jul 29, 2017
Slow moving storms produced flash flooding in Fremont, Custer, Pueblo, and Las Animas Counties. A significant flash flood occurred on the Junkins burn scar.
Flash Flood — Jul 9, 2015
Strong to severe storms produced flooding rains and large hail across El Paso...Fremont...Pueblo...and Baca Counties.
Flash Flood — Jul 29, 2014
Numerous strong, slow-moving storms caused flash flooding across Kiowa, Bent, Prowers, and Baca 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 Las Animas 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 Las Animas 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.