Natural Disaster Risk in Black Hawk
Colorado
Risk Summary for Black Hawk
Black Hawk scores 4.7/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Avalanche.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Black Hawk, Colorado
Black Hawk is a town of roughly 4,363 residents in Gilpin County, in the Great Plains. The area experiences dry air, significant mountain snowfall, and rapid weather changes, with dramatic spring snowstorms and summer hailstorms shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Black Hawk.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Black Hawk carries an overall risk score of 4.7/10, placing it in the moderate category. The threat of avalanche is the primary natural hazard here, with winter snowpack instability on mountain terrain posing risks to roads, structures, and outdoor recreation activities. The area also faces notable exposure to volcano and wildfire.
Black Hawk's risk score, slightly below the 5.2/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Gilpin County, the highest-scoring are avalanche, volcano, and wildfire. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, Black Hawk residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for avalanche is recommended.
What this means for Black Hawk: Avalanche preparedness
- Check avalanche forecasts before backcountry travel and carry a beacon, probe, and shovel.
- Be aware of slope angles and recent snow loading, which drive avalanche risk.
- Properties in runout zones may require specialized hazard assessment and insurance.
Local Factors for Black Hawk
These city-level factors differentiate Black Hawk from other communities in Gilpin County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
4,363
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 39.9°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 8.9/10
Coordinates
39.8635° N, 105.5385° W
Gilpin County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Black Hawk
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Black Hawk
Other cities in Colorado
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.