Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 81235
Lake City, Colorado
Risk Summary for ZIP 81235
ZIP 81235 scores 3.4/10 (Low risk), below 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
Below-average risk — standard coverage likely adequate
Natural disaster risk here is below the US average. Standard homeowners insurance will typically be sufficient, but it is still worth reviewing exclusions for floods and earthquakes.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 81235, Colorado
Located in the Great Plains, ZIP 81235 serves the Lake City community. The semi-arid continental climate of this part of Colorado — bringing dry air, significant mountain snowfall, and rapid weather changes — directly shapes the hazard exposure for properties in this postal area.
ZIP 81235's overall natural disaster risk is rated 3.4/10 (Low) by FEMA's National Risk Index. 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. Secondary hazards include landslide and wildfire.
Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 81235's natural disaster risk is below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, considerably below the 5.2/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by avalanche and landslide, as measured by FEMA across Colorado. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, ZIP 81235 is not immune to natural hazards. Basic preparedness — an emergency kit, awareness of seasonal risks, and property insurance that covers avalanche — remains prudent for all residents.
What this means for ZIP 81235: Avalanche preparedness
- Be aware of slope angles and recent snow loading, which drive avalanche risk.
- Properties in runout zones may require specialized hazard assessment and insurance.
- Check avalanche forecasts before backcountry travel and carry a beacon, probe, and shovel.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 81235
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 81235 from other communities in Colorado County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
912
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 38.0°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — summer fire risk
Fire score: 5.6/10
Coordinates
37.9936° N, 107.3310° W
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for ZIP 81235
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in Colorado
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). County-level data applied to ZIP codes within each county. Scores are normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only — consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.