Natural Disaster Risk in Cordova

Natural Hazard Profile: Cordova, New Mexico

Cordova is a small unincorporated community in Rio Arriba County, in the Great Plains. The area experiences hot, dry summers and cold winters with dramatic elevation variation, with a late-summer monsoon season with flash flood risk 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 Cordova.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Cordova carries an overall risk score of 5.6/10, placing it in the moderate category. Fire risk is the leading concern in the area, where seasonal drought and combustible vegetation combine to create a high-risk wildfire environment. The area also faces notable exposure to landslide and lightning.

Cordova's risk score, near the 5.6/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Rio Arriba County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, landslide, and lightning. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Cordova 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 wildfire is recommended.