Camas County, Idaho Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · ID
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 6th
Camas County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 6.0, 6th national percentile), driven primarily by avalanche and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $3M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Camas County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 6.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 6th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by avalanche (fast-moving snow and debris sliding down steep mountain slopes) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.10 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $408K in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; and landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Very Low risk — $2K in expected annual loss and about 0.46 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $3M in expected annual loss for a population of 1K.
Beyond physical exposure, Camas County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
History supports the rating: Camas County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1964, including 2 for biological events and 2 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 44 Idaho counties, Camas County ranks #40 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Avalanche | High | 0.10 / yr | $2M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.01 / yr | $408K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.46 / yr | $2K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $1 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $35K |
| Drought | Very Low | 47.94 / yr | $730 |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 14.73 / yr | $11K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.33 / yr | $13K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.40 / yr | $45K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.18 / yr | $516K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.14 / yr | $3K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.29 / yr | $9K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 25.34 / yr | $6K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $2K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $398 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Camas County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1964, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Flood (2), Fire (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2017 | Flood | Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| August 2013 | Fire | Beaver Creek Fire |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina |
| January 1997 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Landslides |
| May 1977 | Drought | Drought |
| December 1964 | Flood | Heavy Rains & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Camas County?
Camas County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 6.0 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 6th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Camas County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Avalanche (High, $2M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $408K EAL), Landslide (Very Low, $2K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Camas County compare to other Idaho counties?
Camas County ranks #40 of 44 Idaho counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Camas County had?
FEMA records 8 federal disaster declarations for Camas County since 1964, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic, declared in April 2020.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Camas County's $3M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.