Enter any address in Catron County, New Mexico to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from summer thunderstorms dominates Catron County's flood risk. Over the past 30 years, the NOAA Storm Events Database recorded 33 flash flood events and 8 flood events. Recent examples include flash flooding on July 23, 2021, when saturated soils exacerbated conditions due to a slow-moving low-pressure system and abundant atmospheric moisture. Another event on September 5, 2021, saw thunderstorms produce heavy rainfall across the area.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data indicates that claims have been filed in zones where flood risk is unknown. These claims averaged $37,275 in payouts with an average water depth of 12.0 feet. Homeowners in areas with unknown flood risk, as well as those located in low-lying areas or near arroyos that can experience rapid water level rises, should pay the most attention to flood preparedness.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
20 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Catron County, New Mexico has recorded 41 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 33 flash floods and 8 river or area floods. The county has received 12 federal disaster declarations, 6 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1972–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Mudslides | Flood | Sep 9, 2013 |
| Whitewater-baldy Fire Complex | Fire | May 23, 2012 |
| Wallow Fire | Fire | Jun 10, 2011 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Fire Threats | Fire | May 5, 2000 |
| Severe Storms & Flooding | Flood | Jan 5, 1993 |
| Severe Storms & Flooding | Flood | Jan 18, 1985 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Flood | Sep 18, 1983 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 23, 2021 | 150.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 22, 2021 | 100.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 5, 2021 | 20.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 12, 2018 | 50.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 29, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 8, 2016 | 5.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 4, 2016 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 31, 2014 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 26, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 15, 2013 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 23, 2021
A slow-moving low pressure system continued to track westward across southern New Mexico on July 23, 2021, as an area of high pressure remained centered over the Four Corners. An abundant amount of atmospheric moisture remained in place across central and western New Mexico, and with needed lift from the low pressure system, numerous thunderstorms impacted the area. Soils across western New Mex...
Flash Flood — Jul 22, 2021
An area of high pressure remained centered over the Four Corners while a slow-moving low pressure system tracked westward across southern New Mexico on July 22, 2021. Above normal atmospheric moisture values remained across much of central and western New Mexico which helped to set the stage for an active monsoon day across the area. The risk for flash flooding was highest across western New Me...
Flash Flood — Sep 5, 2021
As an area of high pressure continued to strengthen over the Great Basin area on September 5, 2021, drier air continued to filter into the state from the north which further limited storm coverage across the area. However, deeper moisture continued to reside across southern New Mexico which allowed for another round of afternoon thunderstorms. A few of these thunderstorms produced heavy rainfal...
Flash Flood — Jul 12, 2018
Abundant moisture in place across New Mexico with weak steering flow provided the necessary ingredients for locally heavy rainfall. A thunderstorm that drifted southeast across the Ute Park burn scar resulted in flash flooding along U.S. Highway 64 between Ute Park and Cimarron. Mud, debris, and ash crossed the highway between mile markers 300 and 301. Rocks, mud, and ash several inches deep wa...
Flash Flood — Jul 29, 2017
A widespread surge of deep monsoon moisture continued to shift northward over New Mexico toward the end of July. Slow-moving showers and thunderstorms developed over the high terrain during the late morning hours then pushed into nearby highlands and valleys through the afternoon. Several of these storms produced torrential rainfall rates over two inches per hour. Numerous reports of minor floo...
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 Catron County, New Mexico:
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 Catron County, New Mexico 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.