Skamania County Disaster Risk
Skamania County, Washington
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
50th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#31
of 39 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
50th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Skamania County, Washington
Skamania County has relatively low risk
Skamania County scores 49.68 on the composite risk scale, below Washington's state average of 70.01 and in the relatively low risk category nationally. This means Skamania residents face less frequent or severe natural hazard exposure than the typical American county. The county's forest-dominated geography and remote location create a more favorable disaster profile than densely populated regions.
One of Washington's safer counties
Skamania County ranks in the lower-risk half of Washington counties, with a 49.68 score placing it above Pend Oreille (28.02) and San Juan (35.37) but well below Puget Sound counties. The county's composite score reflects a stark contrast between its very high wildfire risk (93.92) and moderate earthquake risk (87.09), with low flood (49.78) and tornado (5.63) exposure. Most of Skamania's risk is concentrated in a single hazard type rather than distributed across multiple threats.
Wildfire dominates relative to peers
Skamania County's 49.68 score is lower than eastern Washington counties like Spokane (89.98) but shares similar wildfire exposure—Skamania's wildfire risk (93.92) is comparable to Spokane's (96.56). Unlike Spokane, Skamania's earthquake risk (87.09) is notably lower, reflecting its distance from the most active seismic zones. Clark County to the west faces more balanced multi-hazard exposure, while Skamania's risk is heavily weighted toward forest fire threats.
Wildfire is overwhelming primary threat
Wildfire risk dominates at 93.92, making Skamania County one of Washington's most fire-prone regions due to extensive forestlands and seasonal drought conditions typical of the rain shadow east of the Cascades. Earthquake risk (87.09) is moderate and primarily threatens older structures and infrastructure, while flood (49.78) and tornado (5.63) risks are minimal. Community preparedness must prioritize fire season readiness and defensible space around homes and structures.
Wildfire insurance and forest management
Skamania County homeowners should ensure earthquake insurance coverage in addition to standard homeowners policies with adequate wildfire protection, as the county's 93.92 wildfire risk exceeds most Washington communities. Create and maintain defensible space extending 30 feet from your home, removing dead trees, dense brush, and ladder fuels that accelerate fire spread. Use fire-resistant materials for roofing and exterior cladding, and clear roof gutters regularly to prevent ember accumulation.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Skamania County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Skamania County
Risk Verdict
Skamania County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 50th percentile across all U.S. counties. Skamania County's 50th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Skamania County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (50th percentile), tornado (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 94th percentile nationally for wildfire, Skamania County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. The county's earthquake exposure at the 87th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Skamania County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Skamania County is 20.3 composite risk points below the Washington state mean, meaning most other Washington counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Skamania County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Skamania County, WA?
What types of natural hazards affect Skamania County?
How does Skamania County risk compare to the Washington average?
Is Skamania County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Skamania County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.