Avalanche Risk in South Dakota
All South Dakota counties ranked by FEMA National Risk Index avalanche score
Avalanche risk — fast-moving snow and debris sliding down steep mountain slopes — is rated for 5 of 66 South Dakota counties in FEMA's National Risk Index. Lawrence County carries the state's highest avalanche score at 10.5, with $9 in expected annual avalanche losses.
No South Dakota county reaches the High band for avalanche, and expected annual losses from avalanche total roughly $15 statewide. The full ranking below links to each county's complete 18-hazard risk profile.
County Rankings — Avalanche
| # | County | Avalanche Score | Rating | Ann. Freq. | Ann. Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lawrence County | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $9 | |
| 2 | Pennington County | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $3 | |
| 3 | Fall River County | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $1 | |
| 4 | Meade County | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $1 | |
| 5 | Custer County | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $1 |
5 South Dakota counties with measurable avalanche risk. See the national avalanche ranking or all South Dakota counties by overall risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which South Dakota county has the highest avalanche risk?
Lawrence County has the highest FEMA avalanche risk score in South Dakota at 10.5 (Very Low), with $9 in expected annual losses and about 0.01 events per year.
How many South Dakota counties face significant avalanche risk?
5 South Dakota counties record measurable avalanche risk in FEMA's National Risk Index; 0 of them are rated High or Very High.