Weston County, Wyoming Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WY
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 8th
Weston County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 7.9, 8th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $5M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Weston County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 7.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 8th 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.
Risk here concentrates in wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $710K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $788K in expected annual loss and about 4.53 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Low risk — $90K in expected annual loss and about 15.53 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 7K.
Beyond physical exposure, Weston County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very 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: Weston County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1978, including 2 for biological events and 2 for fire events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 23 Wyoming counties, Weston County ranks #22 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $710K |
| Hail | Medium | 4.53 / yr | $788K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 15.53 / yr | $90K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 4.70 / yr | $1M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 1.02 / yr | $1K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $98K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.57 / yr | $328K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 43.72 / yr | $84K |
| Drought | Very Low | 79.02 / yr | $540 |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 1.68 / yr | $112K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.64 / yr | $1M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.20 / yr | $6K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $3K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $0 |
| 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
Weston County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1978, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Fire (2), Severe Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2012 | Fire | Oil Creek Fire |
| July 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides |
| August 2001 | Fire | Wy- Elk Mountain Fire Complex - 08/01/01 |
| December 2000 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| May 1978 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding & Mudslides |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Weston County?
Weston County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 7.9 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 8th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Weston County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Low, $710K EAL), Hail (Medium, $788K EAL), Winter Weather (Low, $90K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Weston County compare to other Wyoming counties?
Weston County ranks #22 of 23 Wyoming counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Weston County had?
FEMA records 7 federal disaster declarations for Weston County since 1978, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for fire 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. Weston County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.