Natural Disaster Risk in Crested Butte
Colorado
Risk Summary for Crested Butte
Crested Butte 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: Crested Butte, Colorado
Crested Butte is a town of roughly 3,101 residents in Gunnison 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 Crested Butte.
FEMA rates Crested Butte's composite natural disaster risk at 4.7 out of 10 — moderate risk. Snow avalanche exposure tops the local risk profile, with the area's mountain setting and annual snowfall loading producing regular avalanche cycles on steep slopes. Residents should also account for landslide and volcano risk in their preparedness planning.
Crested Butte'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 Gunnison County, the highest-scoring are avalanche, landslide, and volcano. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, Crested Butte 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 Crested Butte: 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 Crested Butte
These city-level factors differentiate Crested Butte from other communities in Gunnison County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
3,101
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 38.9°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 7.4/10
Coordinates
38.8798° N, 106.9096° W
Gunnison 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 Crested Butte
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Crested Butte
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.