Why Do Mudslides Increase Your Flood Risk?

Most people think of floods and mudslides as two completely separate problems, but the truth is they are far more connected than most people realize. Understanding that relationship can help you make smarter decisions about your coverage. At Pikes Peak Insurance Agency in Falcon, CO, we want homeowners to have a clear and realistic picture of what their actual flood risk looks like.

How Mudslides Disrupt Natural Water Flow

When a mudslide occurs, it can dramatically change the landscape around your property in a very short amount of time. Debris, sediment and displaced earth block the drainage paths and natural channels that would normally carry water safely away from your home and neighborhood. Once those pathways are clogged or completely rerouted, water has nowhere to go and begins pooling in areas that may have never experienced flooding before. What starts as a mudslide problem can quickly turn into a serious flooding situation that most homeowners are not prepared to deal with.

Saturated Soil Cannot Handle Additional Water

Mudslides typically occur when soil becomes heavily oversaturated after prolonged rainfall or rapid snowmelt. That same saturated ground has very little remaining ability to absorb any moisture that comes after. So even a moderate rainstorm that would normally be manageable can trigger flooding in the days following a mudslide because the ground is already at full capacity and cannot take in more.

Your Standard Policy May Leave You Exposed

Standard homeowners policies generally do not cover flood damage at all, which means mudslide-related flooding could leave you facing significant costs that you were not prepared for.

Contact Pikes Peak Insurance Agency in Falcon, CO today and let us help you find flood insurance coverage that gives you real peace of mind.