Sanpete County, Utah Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · UT
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 39th
Sanpete County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 38.6, 39th national percentile), driven primarily by avalanche and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $12M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Sanpete County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 38.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 39th 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 Very High risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.90 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $12M in expected annual loss for a population of 28K.
Beyond physical exposure, Sanpete County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The federal record bears this out: Sanpete County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 4 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Flooding (flood), declared in December 2023.
Among 29 Utah counties, Sanpete County ranks #12 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Avalanche | Very High | 0.90 / yr | $4M |
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.00 / yr | $1M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.01 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | Medium | 46.37 / yr | $726K |
| Landslide | Low | 1.42 / yr | $14K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 25.42 / yr | $198K |
| Drought | Low | 72.53 / yr | $222K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $11 |
| Heat Wave | Low | 0.52 / yr | $296K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.46 / yr | $3M |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $101K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $7K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.29 / yr | $90K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.13 / yr | $6K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Sanpete County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Flooding in December 2023. Most frequent causes: Flood (4), Biological (2), Fire (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| December 2023 | Flood | Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2018 | Fire | Hilltop Fire |
| June 2012 | Fire | Wood Hollow Fire |
| August 2011 | Flood | Flooding |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| August 1984 | Flood | Severe Storms, Mudslides, Landslides & Flooding |
| April 1983 | Flood | Severe Storms, Landslides & Flooding |
| January 1977 | Drought | Drought |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Sanpete County?
Sanpete County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 38.6 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 39th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Sanpete County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Avalanche (Very High, $4M EAL), Wildfire (Medium, $1M EAL), Earthquake (Low, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Sanpete County compare to other Utah counties?
Sanpete County ranks #12 of 29 Utah counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Sanpete County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Sanpete County since 1977, most often 4 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Flooding, declared in December 2023.
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. Sanpete County's $12M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.