Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 81527
Whitewater, Colorado
Risk Summary for ZIP 81527
ZIP 81527 scores 6.3/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Landslide.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 81527, Colorado
ZIP 81527 in Whitewater sits in the Great Plains. Its semi-arid continental climate produces dry air, significant mountain snowfall, and rapid weather changes, and notably dramatic spring snowstorms and summer hailstorms. These conditions define the natural disaster environment for households across this ZIP code.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, ZIP 81527 carries an overall risk score of 6.3/10, placing it in the high category. Landslide and debris flow risk tops the local hazard profile, with steep terrain and periodic heavy rainfall creating conditions for rapid slope failure in vulnerable areas. The area also faces notable exposure to avalanche and lightning.
Within Colorado, ZIP 81527's risk is, slightly above the 5.2/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Colorado identifies landslide as the foremost hazard, followed by avalanche and lightning. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
ZIP 81527's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.
What this means for ZIP 81527: Landslide preparedness
- Have an evacuation plan ready during periods of intense or prolonged rainfall.
- Watch for warning signs such as new cracks, tilting trees, or changes in water drainage on slopes.
- Standard insurance generally excludes landslide and earth-movement damage — ask about specialized coverage.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 81527
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 81527 from other communities in Colorado County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,462
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 38.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 9.1/10
Coordinates
38.7576° N, 108.5247° 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 81527
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.