Water Damage Restoration in Boulder, CO
Boulder by the numbers: 3 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 138 freezing nights a year, 4 federal disaster declarations since 2016. Below: first steps, the records, Colorado insurance help and costs.
Updated November 9, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in Boulder
- Burst pipe: shut the main water valve, then open the lowest faucet to drain the lines (burst pipe steps).
- Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.
How Often Boulder Floods
Boulder County logged flooding on 3 days from 2016 to 2025 (3 NOAA reports), July most often.
At the Boulder 1.3 NW gauge, May is the wettest month with 3 inches on average.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0.8 |
| February | 0 | 0.9 |
| March | 0 | 1.9 |
| April | 0 | 3 |
| May | 0 | 3 |
| June | 1 | 1.8 |
| July | 2 | 1.8 |
| August | 0 | 1.4 |
| September | 0 | 2 |
| October | 0 | 1.6 |
| November | 0 | 0.9 |
| December | 0 | 0.7 |
Freezing Nights in Boulder
Boulder averages 138 nights a year at or below 32°F (Boulder station). About 48 of them drop to 20°F or colder. NOAA counted 93 winter storm, ice or extreme cold days in Boulder County from 2016 to 2025.
Unheated crawl spaces, attics and garages freeze first (Red Cross); keep the heat at 55°F or more (IBHS).
Storms and Disasters in Boulder
Boulder County was named in 4 federal weather or fire declarations since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- July 31, 2021: Flash flood (Boulder County)Localized flash flooding reported from Geer Canyon to Left Hand Canyon to CO36.
- July 30, 2021: Flash flood (Boulder County)Heavy rain caused localized flash flooding in Erie. Standing water stranded vehicles at the Intersection of Highway 7 and Mountain View Blvd. A couple of basements also flooded.
- June 18, 2018: Hail, 3 inch hail (Boulder County)The storms that moved across northern Washington County caused severe agricultural damage. Wheat fields were significantly damaged and the young corn was stripped of all its leaves.
- August 4, 2017: Thunderstorm wind, 70 mph gust (Boulder County)Intense thunderstorm winds snapped tree branches which knocked down power lines. Power outages were reported along CO 52 near County Line Road. Outages were also reported in the vicinity CO 52 and CO 287.
Federal disaster declarations
- July 31, 2024: Stone Mountain FireFire, FEMA FM-5525
- December 31, 2021: Wildfires And Straight-Line WindsFire, FEMA DR-4634
- December 30, 2021: Marshall FireFire, FEMA FM-5423
- October 17, 2020: Calwood FireFire, FEMA FM-5379
Boulder Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of Boulder (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 47,465 housing units, a median build year of 1977, 55% built before 1980, 35% before 1970, 47% owner occupied.
Colorado Insurance Help for Water Claims
Claim problems in Colorado go to the Colorado Division of Insurance.
Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up Boulder flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for Boulder
| Typical range (national) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most jobs | $1,305 to $5,707 |
| Sewage, per sq ft | $7 to $7.50 |
| Average insurer payout, water or freeze claim | $15,400 |
Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.
More Colorado Cities
Other Colorado city guides
Questions
When is the first freeze in Boulder?
The median first night at or below 32°F is October 5 and the median last is May 6 at the Boulder station (NOAA normals, 1991 to 2020).
How fast does mold start?
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).
Sources: NOAA Storm Events, NOAA normals, OpenFEMA, Census ACS, EPA mold guide.