10 Deadliest Natural Disasters in the History of Colorado

10 Deadliest Natural Disasters in the History of Colorado

Colorado is a beautiful US state known for its scenic beauty and outdoorsy pull. However, natural disasters have also come knocking on this state. From wildfires to avalanches, Colorado has seen it all. Catastrophic damage and nasty memories is what the disasters left behind. The 10 deadliest natural disasters in the history of Colorado are what this article will look into. Families and the community have always exhibited exceptional resilience after devastating floods, blizzards, landslides or earthquakes. Emergency services and first responders always play a vital role after disaster strikes. The impact of these catastrophes has left a long-lasting impact felt even today. These disasters informed the state’s improvements in preparedness and response. Read on about Colorado’s deadliest natural disasters. Learn about a people who have faced these tragedies head-on.

1. The Coal Creek Canyon Flood – 1877

Coal Creek Canyon in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains was devastated by a deadly and destructive flood in the summer of 1877.  This natural disaster was brought about by heavy rain and melting snow. On that evening a thunderstorm brought a deluge of rain over Coal Creek Canyon’s already saturated hills and valleys hence the flood. The little stream that went through the ravine transformed into a furious torrent. Homes, barns, bridges and livestock found in its path were washed away. The sudden flood surprised the residents of Coal Creek Canyon, and many were unable to escape in time. The raging waters also trapped people in their homes. 100 people perished in this deadly Colorado disaster. The flood in Coal Creek Canyon had devastating repercussions. Although Coal Creek Canyon is now a peaceful and tranquil location, the flood of 1877 is still fresh in people’s minds.

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2.  The Silverton Avalanche – 1910

 Lowe, Jet and Related names, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Silverton Avalanche of 1910 was a tragic event that claimed the lives of several individuals in the Colorado mountains heavy snowstorms that had been raging for several days, triggered the avalanche. The reason was the massive amounts of snow accumulated on the steep slopes. The sheer force of the rumbling avalanche destroyed and swept anything in its path.  Buildings and vegetation couldn’t stand it. So loud was the avalanche that it could be heard from miles away, a testament to the sheer power of nature. Through this event, the incredible power that the natural world possessed was witnessed and the devastating consequences that can arise when it is unleashed. Even today, over a century later, the Silverton Avalanche remains a sobering reminder of the importance of respecting the forces of nature and taking steps to mitigate the risks that they pose.

3. The Black Sunday Dust Storm – 1935

National Archives and Records Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the most devastating natural disasters in American history struck on April 14, 1935: The Black Sunday Dust Storm. This event caused widespread destruction in the Great Plains region of the US. Even worse it occurred at the height of the Great Depression. The tempest started on a warm and bright day, with clear skies and high temperatures. Then the horizon was darkened by an ominous dust cloud as the day progressed. As the storm approached people ran for cover. Many raced to their homes, however, the thick residue immediately invaded everywhere, making it difficult to inhale or see.  Some people tried to hide in their cars, but the dust was so thick that engines stalled and headlights stopped working.

Over the course of several hours, the Black Sunday Dust Storm brought destruction in its wake. Cars, buildings and streets in entire towns and cities were blanketed by thick dust. It even got in through doors and windows that were closed, making it impossible to get away. The ecology and economy of the region suffered a significant negative impact. Farmers were left with nothing to eat and nothing to sell as the dust-choked crops and livestock. Years of over-farming and drought had fatigued the soil and this storm made things worse by further eroding the topsoil.

Related Read: 15 Things You Should Know about the Dust Bowl.

4. The Castle Rock Tornado – 1965

The tornado of 1965 forever changed the small town of Castle Rock, Colorado. It was a devastating and tragic event. A massive tornado touched down near the town, on the afternoon of June 3rd.   It carved a path of destruction over 20 miles long and half a mile wide. The tornado ripped apart homes, buildings and trees in its path. The winds reached up to 300 miles per hour. The sudden and powerful storm caught many residents off guard. Worse still the town was ill-prepared for such a disaster. 15 persons lost their lives and 200 others were confirmed to be injured. The town’s infrastructure damages ran into millions of dollars and many residents were left homeless. Rebuilding and coming to terms with the loss of life and property aftermath, was a momentous task. The Castle Rock tornado remains one of the deadliest tornadoes in Colorado’s history.

Related Read: 10 Deadliest Natural Disasters of All Time.

5. The Big Thompson Flood – 1976 

Bureau of Reclamation, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An intense thunderstorm that dumped 12 inches (300 mm) of rain over the Big Thompson Canyon resulted in just a few hours. The resulting floodwaters, carrying debris and boulders, swept through the canyon, destroying homes, cars, and bridges and claiming the lives of 144 people. Being northern Colorado’s popular tourist destination, many tourists were driving through the canyon on the day of the floods. The scenic drive and picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains hid the impending danger.  Roads, bridges, power lines and canyon infrastructure were completely destroyed by the flood.

People were stranded on grounds that weren’t flooded while others were stuck in their cars or homes with no way out. The area was immediately reached by emergency response teams, but the difficult terrain and destroyed infrastructure made rescue efforts extremely difficult. The canyon sustained damage worth over $35 million, and it took several years to completely restore the area’s beauty and rebuild the infrastructure. One of the deadliest flash floods in US history was the Big Thompson Flood of 1976.

6.  The Big Slide -1983

The picturesque scenery of Colorado was irrevocably altered by a colossal natural disaster that has since come to be known as The Big Slide. The small, tranquil town of Thistle was the unfortunate center of this calamity, as incessant rain brought about a catastrophic landslide that consumed everything in its path with an unrelenting force in the summer of 1983. The once-bustling homes, thriving roads, and bustling railroad tracks were all swallowed up by the monstrous slide, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Such was the power of the slide that it created a new lake where there had once been nothing but dry land. The residents of Thistle were forced to hastily evacuate their homes, leaving behind all their cherished belongings in the desperate scramble to escape. The massive cleanup effort that followed was an immense undertaking.  For the town back on its feet it took several years. 

15 Facts about Natural Disasters.

7.  The Hayman Fire (2002)

Photo by Michael Rieger/FEMA News Photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Hayman Fire was a devastating wildfire that occurred in the Pike National Forest of Colorado, United States, in the summer of 2002. It burned for over a month, scorching over 138,000 acres of forest and destroying 133 homes. High winds and dry conditions helped the fire spiral out of control. The Hayman Fire became the largest wildfire in Colorado’s history at the time. Its impact on the surrounding communities and environment was catastrophic. The landscape was left barren with charred trees and smoldering debris after the efforts of more than 5,000 firefighters. Six firefighters perished in the raging fire. The Hayman Fire serves as a reminder of the destructive power of wildfires and the importance of fire prevention measures in forest management.

8. West Colorado Springs Flooding – 2013

A devastating flood washed Manitou Springs, a picturesque town west of Colorado Springs in the summer of 2013. A severe thunderstorm produced heavy rainfall that pounded the area. The overwhelmed drainage systems emptied into the creek that runs through the town leading to an overflow. The debris and mud carried by the creek-turned-raging torrent destroyed everything in its path within a matter of hours. 

Lucky residents and visitors escaped for their lives, while emergency responders worked tirelessly to rescue those who were trapped. The community rallied together to support one another and rebuild their beloved town. For those who lived through it, the Manitou Springs flood of 2013 remains a vivid memory. The resilience of the human spirit in the face of disaster carried the day eventually.

Related Read: 30 Best Natural Disaster Movies of All Time.

9. West Salt Creek Landslide – 2014

Example of a landslide. Colin Pain (University of Seville) (https://imaggeo.egu.eu/user/1096/), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Heavy rain resulted in the West Salt Creek Landslide, which swept through the valley, covering an area of nearly 3 square miles. A mark that can still be seen today on the landscape where the landslide scoured the earth. This was one of the largest in Colorado’s past. A number of factors came together to contribute to the West Salt Creek Landslide, such as the region’s geology and heavy rainfall. Shale and sandstone as well as the region’s unstable slopes made it particularly susceptible to landslides. With saturated and unstable soil brought about by heavy rain conditions were ripe for a slide.

Because it was so powerful, the landslide triggered its own earthquake. The landslide was a major cause of death and damage to property.  Additionally, the debris flow damaged roads and other infrastructure, making recovery efforts more challenging. Scientists studied the area’s geology to find out other places where landslides could happen to reduce the likelihood of them causing such harm again.

10. Colorado Bomb Cyclone 2019

Image by Welcome to All ! ツ from Pixabay

A trail of destruction was left by a powerful bomb cyclone that swept through the state of Colorado on March 13, 2019.  Strong winds, heavy snowfall and flooding were the results of a sudden drop in atmospheric pressure. The impact of the Colorado Bomb Cyclone 2019 was felt across the state. Schools and businesses were forced to close. Thousands of residents were left without power and transportation systems ground to a halt.

Emergency services were stretched to their limits straining rescue efforts. They had the herculean task of rescuing stranded residents and clearing roads and highways of debris. National Guard was called in to assist with recovery efforts after many areas declared a state of emergency. In the aftermath of the Colorado Bomb Cyclone 2019, the state began the long process of assessing the damage and rebuilding affected communities.

Colorado has undoubtedly experienced its fair share of devastating events. The effect on the people and landscapes of Colorado’s disasters has been long-lasting. By learning from those who weathered the challenges before us we can persevere.  Let us keep in mind the lessons that were learned from Colorado’s past as we continue to confront the challenges posed by a changing climate. To build more resiliency in the future we must collaborate now.