Natural Disaster Risk in Colcord

Natural Hazard Profile: Colcord, West Virginia

Colcord is a small unincorporated community in Raleigh County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences cold winters, warm summers, and mountainous terrain that intensifies flooding, with flash flooding and winter storms 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 Colcord.

FEMA rates Colcord's composite natural disaster risk at 6.2 out of 10 — high 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 winter risk in their preparedness planning.

Colcord's risk score, slightly above the 5.0/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Raleigh County, the highest-scoring are avalanche, landslide, and winter. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Colcord residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for avalanche and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.