Natural Disaster Risk in El Portal
California
Risk Summary for El Portal
El Portal scores 5.9/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Landslide.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: El Portal, California
El Portal, in Mariposa County, is a small community of about 582 situated in the western mountain region near the Pacific Coast. Its Mediterranean climate brings dry summers and mild, wet winters with pronounced drought cycles, and in particular a critical fire season from late summer through fall. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that El Portal residents and property owners must navigate.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, El Portal carries an overall risk score of 5.9/10, placing it in the moderate category. Landslide and debris flow risk tops the local hazard profile, with steep terrain and periodic heavy rainfall creating conditions for rapid slope failure in vulnerable areas. The area also faces notable exposure to heat and wildfire.
Within California, El Portal's risk is, near the 5.9/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Mariposa County identifies landslide as the foremost hazard, followed by heat and wildfire. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a moderate risk rating, El Portal 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 landslide is recommended.
What this means for El Portal: Landslide preparedness
- Have an evacuation plan ready during periods of intense or prolonged rainfall.
- Watch for warning signs such as new cracks, tilting trees, or changes in water drainage on slopes.
- Standard insurance generally excludes landslide and earth-movement damage — ask about specialized coverage.
Local Factors for El Portal
These city-level factors differentiate El Portal from other communities in Mariposa County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
582
RuralGeographic Zone
Pacific Coast
Tsunami, coastal flood & wildfire risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 37.7°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 9.9/10
Coordinates
37.6662° N, 119.8064° W
Mariposa County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for El Portal
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in El Portal
Other cities in California
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.