Mass flows are among the most damaging natural hazards in the tropical Andes, and Colombia is no exception. In this paper, we present a statistical analysis of torrential catchments in the region (n = 149), which we separated into tectonic blocks given their distinct geological and geomorphological histories. Several morphometric indices like the drainage area, local relief, Melton ratio, or relief ratio were computed and analyzed. The significance of regional variation was unveiled in our findings, indicating that the mass flow susceptibility of each catchment should be evaluated and compared to the thresholds of the corresponding tectonic block. Accordingly, we defined new thresholds for the identification of torrential-prone basins per tectonic block using a non-parametric approach, which we validated through a specific catchment located at Piedecuesta in Santander, Colombia. In the case of the Piedecuesta flow, we further demonstrated the relevance of identifying the feeder catchments, especially in areas where significant hydrologic changes occur. Changes in the volumetric concentration of the Piedecuesta flow that took place along the flow path, highlight the need to prioritize the recognition of feeder catchments. By doing so, we were able to correctly establish the occurrence of mass flows and reduce the false negative rate in susceptibility assessments. Our approach provides a framework for identifying torrential-prone basins and has important implications for natural hazard management, aiming at mitigating the impact of mass flows in the tropical Andes.