80301 Weather -- Boulder, CO
Overview
80301 -- Gunbarrel and Northeast Boulder, CO
Zip code 80301 covers the northeast quadrant of Boulder, including the Gunbarrel community, East Boulder's commercial and research corridor, and the Holiday neighborhood. At an average elevation around 5,200 feet, 80301 is the lowest-elevation Boulder zip code and sits closest to the eastern plains, giving it a more plains-influenced climate than the foothills-adjacent zips to the west.
Snowfall totals here typically run 20–30 percent below those in the western neighborhoods, and temperatures in summer are slightly warmer. The zip covers Boulder's major tech and research corridor along Diagonal Highway, as well as residential neighborhoods with good access to the Boulder Creek Path and Foothills Trail system.
Fire Risk and History
80301 has a low wildfire risk. The northeast quadrant of Boulder is surrounded by established urban and suburban development with no direct exposure to wildland fuels. The Gunbarrel area and East Boulder corridor sit on relatively flat plains terrain well removed from the foothills fire risk zone. During the 2021 Marshall Fire in Louisville and Superior, 80301 experienced heavy smoke but was not under evacuation order. Standard home fire safety practices apply throughout the zip.
Elevation and Microclimate
| Elevation | 5200 ft |
| Zip Code | 80301 |
| County | Boulder County, CO |
| Wildfire Risk | Low |
| FEMA Flood Zone | Zone X |
At 5,200 feet, 80301 is Boulder's lowest-elevation zip code. The flat plains terrain of Gunbarrel and East Boulder provides minimal natural wind protection -- north and northwest winds move through the area with little obstruction. Summer temperatures run slightly warmer than foothills zip codes, and winter snowfall totals are typically the lowest in the city. UV exposure at this elevation is roughly 20 percent stronger than at sea level.
Flood Zone Information
80301 is classified FEMA Flood Zone X with minimal flood risk. The flat terrain of Gunbarrel and the East Boulder commercial corridor drains toward the east and is served by engineered stormwater infrastructure. The Boulder Creek corridor to the south carries flow toward the plains but does not create significant flood exposure for 80301 residential areas. The September 2013 regional flood event had limited impact on this zip. Property owners near any drainage channels should verify their specific parcel designation at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.