Enter any address in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from summer thunderstorms is the primary flood hazard in Rio Arriba County. Over the past 30 years, the NOAA Storm Events Database recorded 43 flash flood events, resulting in one fatality. For example, monsoon moisture led to flash flooding on State Highway 76 near Chimayo in August 2025, and similar conditions caused flash flooding in June 2024.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A experience the most frequent and severe flooding, with an average payout of $12,338 and water depths averaging 3.2 feet. While claims in Zone X are less frequent and less severe, with average payouts of $3,539 and water depths of 0.9 feet, homeowners in all designated flood zones should remain aware of potential risks. Residents in Zone A, as well as those in Zone X and unknown zones, should pay close attention to flood advisories and consider flood insurance.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
30 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Rio Arriba County, New Mexico has recorded 45 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 43 flash floods and 2 river or area floods. The county has received 16 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 (1973–2024)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| South Fork Fire, Salt Fire, And Flooding | Fire | Jun 17, 2024 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jul 27, 2014 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Mudslides | Flood | Sep 9, 2013 |
| Las Conchas Fire | Fire | Jun 26, 2011 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Extreme Cold Temperatures | Severe Storm | Feb 1, 2011 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jul 26, 2006 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Nm - Borrego Fire - 5-23-02 | Fire | May 22, 2002 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Aug 29, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 17, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 20, 2024 | 500.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 20, 2024 | 100.00K |
| Flood | May 2, 2023 | 300.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 31, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 18, 2022 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 23, 2021 | 30.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 22, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 22, 2016 | 2.00M |
Flash Flood — Aug 29, 2025
Monsoon Moisture across central and eastern New Mexico along with a backdoor front entering northeast NM resulted in the development of scattered shower and thunderstorm activity across these portions of the state. A slow moving thunderstorm resulted in flash flooding on State Highway 76 near Chimayo. Severe thunderstorms resulted in damaging wind gusts of up to 70 mph across Union and Harding ...
Flash Flood — Jul 17, 2025
Abundant monsoonal moisture resulted in scattered to numerous afternoon thunderstorms developing over the high terrain of NM before moving over surrounding lower elevations during the late afternoon and evening hours of July 16th and 17th. While a few thunderstorms became severe and produced large hail in a few spots of northeastern NM on the 16th, flash flooding over the Ruidoso area burn scar...
Flash Flood — Jun 20, 2024
A burst of monsoon moisture surged into eastern NM the morning of June 19th and surged through the gaps of the central mountain chain bringing high wind gusts of up to 58 miles per hour to parts of the Albuquerque metro that afternoon and evening. The strong east canyon wind during the evening resulted in a downed tree in the northeast heights of Albuquerque. The monsoon moisture surged through...
Flood — May 2, 2023
Well above average snowpack and warm temperatures led to rapid snowmelt and river rises on many northern NM river basins. Overbank flooding was reported at and downstream of the junction between the Rio Ojo Caliente and Rio Chama between May 5th and May 10th. Ten properties had water up to homes and structures. Yards, wells, and septic systems were flooded out. There were no reports of casualti...
Flash Flood — Jul 31, 2022
Monsoon season got off to an early start, and that momentum continued throughout the entire month of July with yet another very busy and active day on July 31, 2022. Per usual, thunderstorms developed early in the day across the high terrain areas before becoming more widespread throughout the evening. Many of these thunderstorms were capable of producing heavy rain which resulted in flash 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 Rio Arriba 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 Rio Arriba 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.