Colorado has scattered natural seismicity in the mountains plus induced earthquakes near energy operations in the Raton Basin. This page pulls real records for Colorado: the largest earthquakes on record from USGS, how often the ground shakes nearby, tsunamis from the NOAA database, and volcanoes from the Smithsonian program. Nothing is guessed.
A quiet recent record is good news, but many damaging earthquakes strike places that were quiet for decades. The only real protection is a warning the moment the ground moves - which is exactly what the free QuakeMate app gives you, along with tsunami and volcano alerts for Colorado.
Check Colorado hazard risk in detail
An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk in Colorado - or search any city or region.
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Earthquake risk in Colorado - FAQ
Is Colorado at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. On average about 1 quake every 2 years nearby of magnitude 4+ within 300 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data.
What was the biggest earthquake in Colorado?
We don't have a standout large earthquake on record close to Colorado in the modern catalog, though smaller quakes can still occur.
Does Colorado get tsunamis?
No tsunamis are recorded within 300 km of Colorado in the NOAA database - though coastal states can still be exposed after a very large offshore quake.
How do I get earthquake warnings in Colorado?
Download the free QuakeMate app for iPhone. It watches your location and sends a real-time push the instant a quake strikes nearby, plus tsunami and volcano alerts, with custom magnitude and distance rules. On Android, join the waitlist.