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Colorado · Risk Readiness
Before the emergency — maps, tools, and the honest picture of what Colorado throws at different parts of the state.
See CO hazardsCO hazard profile
The Marshall Fire (December 30, 2021) destroyed 1,084 structures in Boulder County in a single afternoon — Colorado's most destructive wildfire ever — driven by 100+ mph Chinook winds across drought-stressed grass in winter. The 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire destroyed 347 homes near Colorado Springs. The 2020 East Troublesome Fire burned 193,000 acres in two days. Fire season in Colorado now runs year-round in the Front Range foothills. The September 2013 Front Range flood killed 8 people, damaged or destroyed 26,000 homes, and wiped out 200+ miles of highway across Boulder, Larimer, Jefferson, and other counties — $2B in damage. Colorado's steep terrain channels rainfall into fast-moving floods with little warning. Mountain communities face flash flooding from afternoon thunderstorms every summer. Post-wildfire burn scars create debris flow hazard zones. Colorado's Front Range is one of the most volatile winter weather corridors in the country. The Denver metro can go from 60°F to a blizzard in hours. The March 2003 blizzard dropped 31 inches on Denver in 24 hours. I-70 through the mountains closes multiple times per year. Eastern Colorado's open plains face ground blizzards that produce near-zero visibility for hundreds of miles.
Dry conditions, wind, and vegetation combine to create serious wildfire risk, particularly in dry seasons.
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Flash floods, river flooding, and coastal surge affect low-lying areas and river corridors.
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Ice accumulation causes prolonged power outages and road closures across the state.
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Occur across most of the state, often embedded in severe thunderstorm lines and tropical systems.
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Official tools
Enter your address to see your flood zone designation and insurance requirements.
Source: FEMA
Real-time earthquake activity and seismic hazard maps for your region.
Source: USGS
Your property's wildfire exposure score based on vegetation, terrain, and proximity to wildland.
Source: USFS
Real-time river levels and flood stage by county.
Source: USGS WaterWatch
Weekly drought conditions by county.
Source: US Drought Monitor
Water quality guidance for households on private wells.
Source: EPA
Insurance gaps
Standard homeowner's policies in Colorado exclude flood damage. Flood insurance through the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period — it cannot be purchased when a storm is forecast. Check your declarations page annually to confirm your coverage limits and deductibles.
Not in your standard policy
Flood damage — requires NFIP or private flood policy
Earthquake damage — requires separate endorsement
Sewer & drain backup — requires endorsement ($50–$100/yr)
Landslide / mudflow — generally excluded
Next steps
During an emergency
NC emergency contacts, alert signups, and real-time information.
Local EmergencyGet prepared
Step-by-step actions based on the hazards that apply to Colorado.
CO Checklists