FloodZoneMap.org

Flash Flood — La Plata, CO

Aug 8, 2002

A flash flood several feet deep roared down the mountain and damaged two houses. The flash flood also temporarily closed County Roads 250 and 253 where it deposited nearly two feet of mud and debris. One house was filled up to two feet deep with mud. A large propane tank was ripped from its moorings and pushed against another house. Some residents were marooned and occupants of five vehicles were stranded for about two hours along County Road 253.

Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 5317986). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.

Flood Risk Context for La Plata, CO

This event is one of many recorded floods in La Plata County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.

View La Plata County flood data →

More Flood Stories

Flash Flood$2.0M damage

La Plata, CO · Jul 24, 2018

As high pressure spun southeast of the Four Corners region, subtropical moisture moved northward along the western periphery of the high. This increase in moisture produced some thunderstorms with heavy rainfall in La Plata County.

Read the full account →
Flash Flood$25K damage

La Plata, CO · Jun 26, 2022

Monsoon moisture advected north into the region. Residual moisture from previous days convection helped to prime the atmosphere which led to an uptick in shower and thunderstorm coverage across western Colorado.

Read the full account →
Flash Flood$100K damage

La Plata, CO · Sep 7, 2002

The flash flood brought large volumes of mud, trees, and boulders across county roads and deposited the debris on a number of private properties. Several vehicles were carried a short distance in the flow.

Read the full account →
Flash Flood$1.5M damage

La Plata, CO · Sep 7, 2002

Flash flooding was widespread along the east side of the Animas Valley. Very large debris flows accompanied the flash floods. Two large houses in the path of the flows incurred extensive damage. Two mobile homes were knocked off their foundations.

Read the full account →