Hazard Score
6 Catastrophes Recorded
Missoula, Montana
15 Land Tracts in Missoula County , Middle Clark Fork Watershed
Missoula, Montana faces relatively low overall hazard risk, with moderate to high risks in landslides and earthquakes due to its location in the Middle Clark Fork hydrologic unit and the presence of fault lines in the region. The city is situated in the Kootenai-Pend Oreille-Spokane hydrologic subregion, which has experienced historically high landslide risks, impacting the relatively high landslides risk in the area. Additionally, the city's proximity to the Pacific Northwest hydrologic region exposes it to potential climate risks such as extreme precipitation events and flooding.
The climate of Missoula is characterized by hardy conditions with moderate temperatures and high humidity levels. The city is located near the Pend Oreille hydrologic accounting unit and water bodies like the Clark Fork River, which can contribute to increased flood risks. While Missoula is not directly situated on a coastline or near fault lines, its geological features and proximity to mountain peaks can exacerbate hazard risks. For example, the presence of steep terrain and mountainous regions can increase the likelihood of landslides and flash floods during heavy rainfall events.
Overall, Missoula's hazard risk assessment is influenced by its geological features, hydrologic units, and climate conditions. While the city may have relatively low overall risk ratings, specific factors such as landslides and earthquakes pose moderate to high risks due to the area's geological composition. Understanding these specific risks and taking appropriate mitigation measures can help safeguard the city and its population against potential natural disasters in the future.
Wildfire Risk: Moderate
Tornado Risk: Very Low
Hurricane Risk: Very Low
Hail Risk: Very Low
Flood Risk: Very Low
Tsunami Risk: Very Low
Earthquake Risk: Very Low
Wind Risk: Low
HAZARDS
6
Power Transmission Lines
0
Coastlines
1
Water Bodies
0
Fault Lines
EMERGENCY SERVICES
9
Hazard Shelters
1
Fire Stations
0
Hospitals
0
Police Stations
COMMUNITY PROFILE
Missoula, Montana has a relatively low overall risk score of 78.01, with specific hazards such as wildfires and winter weather events occurring frequently. The area experiences an average of 199.07 winter weather events per year, with a relatively low risk rating of 33.41, indicating a moderate level of risk. Additionally, hail events are also common, with an average of 16 occurrences annually, resulting in a very low risk rating of 30.42.
The region's topography, including mountain peaks and water bodies, contributes to its unique climate factors and associated risks. Missoula is surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, which can lead to extreme weather conditions such as heavy snowfall and avalanches. The presence of the Clark Fork River and nearby lakes can also lead to flooding during heavy rainfall events. These geological features, combined with the area's susceptibility to lightning strikes and wildfires, contribute to the overall hazard risk in Missoula.
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CLIMATE OVERVIEW
NATURAL CATASTROPHE TIMELINE
2023 Lolo Rx Support
2023-01-02
Mount Sentinel
2020-08-21
Flooding
Heavy Rain And Snowmelt
2018-05-07Famb Severity/Extended Ops
2015-08-20
2015 Mdc Large Fire Support
2015-03-06
Hailstorm
1983-07-20