This section describes the individual hazards that may affect communities in Colorado. Each hazard is described in further detail in the appendix and includes the following elements:
- A description of the hazard: The description of each hazard includes a definition and general background information.
- A description of the hazard’s presence in Colorado: This includes information on the history and severity of the hazard in Colorado communities.
- A summary of related hazards: Many of the hazards described in this guide can cause other hazards to occur, or can be exacerbated by the presence of other hazards.
- Assessing the risk for certain hazards: For some of the hazards, there are unique challenges associated with preparing risk assessments. This subsection addresses those challenges by presenting alternative approaches and methodologies.
- Appropriate data sources for establishing a basis for a risk assessment: Colorado communities have access to several sources of data for identifying hazard areas and determining vulnerability to each hazard. This component includes primary resources for preparing risk assessments. Some of the data sources are applicable to multiple hazards.
- Applicable planning tools and strategies: References to applicable tools and strategies that are profiled in the chapter, Planning Tools and Strategies.
Summary of Common Hazard Data Sources
The information below summarizes the resources mentioned throughout this chapter that are applicable to multiple hazards.
- The Colorado Climate Center is housed in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University. It is a source of useful information on natural hazards in Colorado and provides an excellent resource to learn about climate in Colorado.
- The Colorado Geological Survey is the primary State agency for providing information and maps on geologic hazards such as landslides, mud/debris flows, rockfall, and soil hazards.
- Colorado Hazard Mapping & Risk MAP Portal: The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) hosts this website as a portal to view information for the Colorado Hazard Mapping Program and, in the future, Colorado’s Risk MAP Program. The Colorado Hazard Mapping Program provides a mitigation and land use framework for areas likely to be impacted by flooding, erosion, and debris flow. The Risk MAP Program delivers quality data to increase public awareness and lead to actions that reduce risk to life and property. The interactive map component of the website allows the user to click on area-specific activities and projects. coloradohazardmapping.com
- The Colorado Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan is the State’s FEMA-approved plan that serves as a foundation for the State’s program to reduce risks to people, property, and infrastructure from natural hazards. The Plan is administered and updated by the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched the Ready in February 2003 as a national public service advertising campaign to provide education related to preparation and response to natural and man-made disasters. Although the focus of the site is on preparedness and response, the site provides ample information about the types of hazards that may affect communities around the country. ready.gov
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides information related to hazard mitigation planning, including identifying hazards and preparing a risk assessment.
- The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) was formed in 2015 as a merger of NOAA’s three existing National Data Centers: the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the National Geophysical Data Center, and the National Oceanographic Data Center. NCEI is where storm event data previously collected by NCDC is now provided. This is a rich data source for climate and historical weather information. This site contains historical event data on a host of natural hazards.
- The National Weather Service (NWS) is the official provider of U.S. weather, marine, fire, and aviation forecasts. The NWS issues warnings and provides data, products, forecasts, and information related to meteorology. The NWS is a component of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The NWS maintains a glossary of information on more than 2,000 terms, phrases, and abbreviations used by the NWS.
- The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is the primary federal reference for national data regarding landslide and earthquake hazards.