Natural Disaster Risk in Alturas

Natural Hazard Profile: Alturas, California

Alturas is a town of roughly 5,142 residents in Modoc County, in the western mountain region near the Pacific Coast. The area experiences dry summers and mild, wet winters with pronounced drought cycles, with a critical fire season from late summer through fall shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Alturas.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Alturas carries an overall risk score of 4.7/10, placing it in the moderate category. Volcanic hazard exposure defines the local risk environment, driven by proximity to one of the most active volcanic systems in the United States. The area also faces notable exposure to drought and wildfire.

Alturas's risk score, slightly below the 5.9/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Modoc County, the highest-scoring are volcano, drought, and wildfire. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Alturas residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for volcano is recommended.