Fort Collins, Colorado Natural Disasters | Larimer County Hazard Db

HazardDB

Hazard Score

81 Catastrophes Recorded

Historical_Hail

Historical_Tornadoes

Historical_Floods

Historical_Wind

Historical_Wildfires

Fort-Collins, Colorado

15 Land Tracts in Larimer County , Cache La Poudre Watershed

Fort Collins, Colorado, faces a moderate to relatively high natural disaster and climate risk due to its location in Larimer County, which has experienced severe weather events such as floods and wildfires in the past. The city is situated near the Cache La Poudre River, which can overflow during heavy precipitation, leading to flooding. Additionally, Fort Collins lies within the South Platte hydrologic region, which can be prone to flash floods and mudslides, increasing the risk of property damage and disruptions to infrastructure.

The nearby mountain peaks, including the Rocky Mountains, contribute to the climate factors in Fort Collins, with cold winters and relatively high snowfall levels. These conditions can lead to avalanches and snowstorms, impacting transportation and posing a risk to residents. The city's proximity to fault lines, although not as pronounced as in other parts of Colorado, still presents a potential earthquake risk that could result in structural damage and injuries. The region's high lightning risk is exacerbated by its open landscape and frequent thunderstorms, increasing the likelihood of wildfires during dry periods.

While Fort Collins has a relatively low population density compared to other areas in Colorado, its growing community and recreational activities make it susceptible to the impacts of natural disasters. The city's reliance on water bodies for irrigation and supply, combined with its vulnerability to extreme weather events, underscores the importance of preparedness and mitigation efforts. By understanding the specific climate factors and geological features that contribute to hazard risk in Fort Collins, residents and authorities can work towards building resilience and adapting to potential disasters in the future.

Wildfire Risk: Low

Tornado Risk: Low

Hurricane Risk: Very Low

Hail Risk: Moderate

Flood Risk: Low

Tsunami Risk: Very Low

Earthquake Risk: Very Low

Wind Risk: Low

HAZARDS

7

Power Transmission Lines

0

Coastlines

2

Water Bodies

0

Fault Lines

EMERGENCY SERVICES

4

Hazard Shelters

3

Fire Stations

0

Hospitals

1

Police Stations

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Larimer County, Colorado faces a relatively moderate overall natural disaster and climate risk, with a risk score of 93.54. The county has a population of 358,792 and a risk value of $72,217,813. The risk rating is relatively moderate, with specific hazards such as wildfires, hailstorms, and tornadoes contributing to the risk profile. The county has experienced an average of 136.69 wind events per year, with a high frequency of lightning strikes and a relatively low risk of floods.

Specific climate factors in Larimer County include a high occurrence of lightning strikes, hailstorms, and wind events. The county is characterized by diverse geological features such as mountain peaks, water bodies, and open spaces, which can influence the severity of natural disasters. The area's proximity to fault lines and mountainous terrain can exacerbate the impact of hazards like wildfires and landslides. Historical events such as severe hailstorms and tornado outbreaks have ... Read More

CLIMATE OVERVIEW

Average Temperature

10 °F Cold

Average Precipitation

401 mm Moderately Low

Average Humidity

61% Moderate

Plant Hardiness

5/10 Moderate

NATURAL CATASTROPHE TIMELINE

Flooding

Hailstorm

1999-09-01

Flooding

Heavy Rain

1999-04-29

Hailstorm

1998-05-10

Hailstorm

1998-05-10

Hailstorm

1998-05-04

Flooding

Heavy Rain