Assessing the Risk of Severe Winter Storm

Severe winter storms are a frequent occurrence and a source of major concern throughout Colorado. The combined perils of snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and high winds pose multiple risks, including threats to public safety and the potential to cause major property damage and disruption to commerce. For example, winter storm conditions can threaten transportation safety during the event and result in snow or ice accumulations that can collapse roofs or topple trees. Planners should also be mindful of the impacts that severe winter storms may have on vulnerable populations, especially the homeless or those living in households without heat. There is no simple or universal approach to assessing these risks; however, a variety of data sources and tools are available to assist in the process of understanding the likelihood and potential impact of future storm events on the community.

Similar to other hazards, the local or regional hazard mitigation plan should be among the first sources to look for data and/or information on severe winter storms. The risk assessments included within these plans should have information on historical events, as well as information on any particular risks or vulnerabilities the community faces. If the severe winter storm hazard is considered a real threat to the community, then potential risk reduction measures should also be included as part of the mitigation strategy or implementation section of the plan (e.g, strategies to deliver resources to vulnerable populations in a storm’s aftermath or strengthening building codes to enable new construction to withstand severe winter storms). When seeking professional assistance and advice on severe winter storms, planners should also consider turning to meteorology experts from organizations such as the nearest local office of the National Weather Service or institution of higher education. Another valuable source of information is the Office of the State Climatologist at the Colorado Climate Center at Colorado State University, which can provide additional weather and hazard risk-related data specific to each community.