Natural Disaster Risk in Gasquet

Natural Hazard Profile: Gasquet, California

Gasquet is a small community of about 523 in Del Norte 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 Gasquet.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Gasquet carries an overall risk score of 4.9/10, placing it in the moderate category. Coastal tsunami exposure is the dominant hazard concern, with the regional tectonic environment capable of generating both local and distant-source tsunami waves. The area also faces notable exposure to landslide and earthquake.

Gasquet'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 Del Norte County, the highest-scoring are tsunami, landslide, and earthquake. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Gasquet 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 tsunami is recommended.