FloodZoneMap.org

Flash Flood — San Miguel, CO

Jul 31, 2021

High pressure retrograted in response to a deepening mid-level trough over the center of the nation and parked over western Colorado. Even so, subtropical moisture remained entrenched over the area with precipitable water values exceeding an inch and trending over 150% of the climatological norm. As a result, widespread showers and thunderstorms erupted over western Colorado. Additionally, convergence along the Continental Divide enhanced storm coverage. Heavy rain and training was common with s

Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 965536). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.

Flood Risk Context for San Miguel, CO

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

View San Miguel County flood data →

More Flood Stories

Flood

San Miguel, CO · Aug 24, 2023

Remnants from Tropical Storm Harold lifted across the Desert Southwest. This, combined with already abundant subtropical moisture, resulted in widespread showers and thunderstorms across western Colorado. Storms were slow moving and produced heavy rain.

Read the full account →
Flash Flood$400K damage

San Miguel, CO · Aug 8, 2001

Slow moving thunderstorms over eastern San Miguel County dropped up to 5 inches of rain in a 2 hour period between Telluride and Placerville. The heavy rains triggered numerous mud and rock slides throughout the eastern portion of the county.

Read the full account →
Flash Flood$100K damage

San Miguel, CO · Aug 3, 2003

This flash flood impacted Placerville and nearby locations. A wall of water 4 to 5 feet deep crashed into the Surprise Avenue area of Placerville, where several houses were damaged.

Read the full account →
Flash Flood$50K damage

San Miguel, CO · Jul 31, 1999

Heavy rains resulted in widespread flash flooding, mudslides, and turned Leopard Creek into a raging torrent which overflowed its banks and washed across State Highway 62, undercutting the roadbed.

Read the full account →