Enter any address in Ouray County, Colorado to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from summer thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Ouray County. Between 2003 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 19 flash flood events and 3 flood events. Recent examples include localized flash flooding in July 2022 due to monsoon moisture and heavy rain, and another flash flood event in July 2017 from thunderstorms with heavy rainfall.
While specific flood zones are not detailed in the provided data, National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims show that some flood damage has occurred in areas with an unknown flood zone designation. These claims averaged $1,264 in payout with an average water depth of 1.2 feet. Homeowners in Ouray County, particularly those near areas prone to heavy rainfall and debris flows, should be aware of potential flood risks.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
5 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Ouray County, Colorado has recorded 22 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 19 flash floods and 3 river or area floods. The county has received 8 federal disaster declarations, 4 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1970–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Severe Storms, Mudslides, Landslides & Flooding | Flood | Jul 27, 1984 |
| 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 | Jul 16, 2022 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 10, 2022 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 20, 2017 | 50.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 28, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 6, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 2, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 27, 2010 | 100.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 28, 2008 | 4.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 9, 2008 | 80.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 11, 2005 | 15K |
Flood — Jul 16, 2022
Residual monsoon moisture resulted in another round of showers and thunderstorms across southwest and west-central Colorado. Some storms produced heavy rain which led to localized flooding and debris flows in portions of Ouray and Pitkin counties.
Flash Flood — Jul 10, 2022
Ample monsoon moisture resulted in scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms across western Colorado. Some storms produced heavy rain which led to localized flash flooding in Ouray County.
Flash Flood — Jul 20, 2017
Subtropical moisture over the area produced some thunderstorms with heavy rainfall. Flash flooding occurred at a location in Ouray County.
Flash Flood — Aug 28, 2013
Localized flash flooding was reported yet again in southwest Colorado in the northwest San Juan mountains as thunderstorms with heavy rainfall continued to be a threat.
Flash Flood — Aug 6, 2013
Thunderstorms with heavy rainfall moved through the northern San Juan Mountains. Flash flooding occurred in Ouray County during the early afternoon hours.
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 Ouray 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 Ouray 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.