The Colorado River Runs Through the County — Flooding Is Real

Columbus sits on a horseshoe bend of the Colorado River. The river and its tributaries have flooded the county for generations. A flood in 1869 damaged a structure on the river's bank.

Properties close to the river or in low spots may sit in a Special Flood Hazard Area. That is a FEMA-mapped zone where flood insurance may be required and stricter building rules apply.

Before you buy or build near water, look up that address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. If a lender requires flood insurance, the property is in a mapped flood zone.

The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) controls water releases from dams upstream. Those releases can raise river levels in Colorado County.