I find grading problems on almost every home that I inspect. Most flooding will occur in the spring when the ground begins to thaw and spring rain arrives. The grade  is just like a roof on a house. A grade that slopes towards a home can direct water to the home. This can be critical during the winter when the ground is frozen and snow covered. A heavy rain can quickly cause flooding with improper grading next to a foundation wall and then leak into the basement.
Along with heavy rain can occur any time during the year.

A good rule of thumb for the ground slope is a minimum of 1/4 inch drop per foot of run and should continue out a minimum of 6 ft.  Installing splash blocks and or downspout extensions will greatly reduce the amount of water draining next to or close to the foundation.

Also CLEAN those gutters, a clogged gutter does not allow water to flow and will in lots of cases overflow the edge dropping water next to the foundation and worse, damage roof decking, facias boards, and water leakage into the home or behind the siding.

A simple tip from your friendly Denver Area Home Inspector.