Ravalli County, Montana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MT
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 78th
Ravalli County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 78.5, 78th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $37M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Ravalli County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 78.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 78th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. 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 wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at High risk — $21M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $92K in expected annual loss and about 1.55 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $6M in expected annual loss and about 2.18 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $37M in expected annual loss for a population of 44K.
Beyond physical exposure, Ravalli 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: Ravalli County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1996, including 5 for fire events and 3 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds (straight-line winds), declared in April 2026.
Among 56 Montana counties, Ravalli County ranks #5 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | High | 0.01 / yr | $21M |
| Landslide | Medium | 1.55 / yr | $92K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 2.18 / yr | $6M |
| Winter Weather | High | 53.01 / yr | $317K |
| Avalanche | High | 0.17 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.12 / yr | $304K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $711K |
| Lightning | Medium | 26.85 / yr | $394K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.79 / yr | $7M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 0.74 / yr | $307K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.36 / yr | $106K |
| Drought | Very Low | 34.05 / yr | $3K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.20 / yr | $96K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $51K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Ravalli County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1996, most recently Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds in April 2026. Most frequent causes: Fire (5), Severe Storm (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2026 | Straight-Line Winds | Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2017 | Fire | Lolo Peak Fire |
| August 2016 | Fire | Roaring Lion Fire |
| April 2014 | Flood | Ice Jams and Flooding |
| September 2012 | Fire | Sawtooth Fire |
| June 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| August 2000 | Fire | Wildfires |
Showing the 10 most recent of 13 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Ravalli County?
Ravalli County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 78.5 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 78th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Ravalli County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (High, $21M EAL), Landslide (Medium, $92K EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $6M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Ravalli County compare to other Montana counties?
Ravalli County ranks #5 of 56 Montana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Ravalli County had?
FEMA records 13 federal disaster declarations for Ravalli County since 1996, most often 5 for fire events and 3 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds, declared in April 2026.
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. Ravalli County's $37M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.