Natural Disaster Risk in Oak Creek
Colorado
Risk Summary for Oak Creek
Oak Creek scores 5.0/10 (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: Oak Creek, Colorado
Oak Creek, in Routt County, is a small community of about 2,260 situated in the Great Plains. Its semi-arid continental climate brings dry air, significant mountain snowfall, and rapid weather changes, and in particular dramatic spring snowstorms and summer hailstorms. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Oak Creek residents and property owners must navigate.
Oak Creek's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.0/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. 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. Secondary hazards include volcano and landslide.
Within Colorado, Oak Creek's risk is, near the 5.2/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Routt County identifies avalanche as the foremost hazard, followed by volcano and landslide. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
Oak Creek's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that avalanche exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.
What this means for Oak Creek: Avalanche preparedness
- Properties in runout zones may require specialized hazard assessment and insurance.
- 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.
Local Factors for Oak Creek
These city-level factors differentiate Oak Creek from other communities in Routt County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
2,260
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 40.3°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 8.3/10
Coordinates
40.2569° N, 106.8733° W
Routt 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 Oak Creek
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Oak Creek
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.