Natural Disaster Risk in Lee Vining
California
Risk Summary for Lee Vining
Lee Vining scores 5.3/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Volcanic Activity.
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: Lee Vining, California
Lee Vining is a small community of about 970 in Mono 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 Lee Vining.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Lee Vining carries an overall risk score of 5.3/10, 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 avalanche and wildfire.
Lee Vining's risk score, slightly below the 5.9/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Mono County, the highest-scoring are volcano, avalanche, 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, Lee Vining 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.
What this means for Lee Vining: Volcanic Activity preparedness
- Keep dust masks and eye protection on hand for ashfall events, which can affect breathing and visibility.
- Monitor official volcano alert levels and have an evacuation plan for lava or lahar zones.
- Protect electronics and HVAC systems from fine volcanic ash during eruptions.
Local Factors for Lee Vining
These city-level factors differentiate Lee Vining from other communities in Mono County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
970
RuralGeographic Zone
Pacific Coast
Tsunami, coastal flood & wildfire risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 38.0°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 9.2/10
Coordinates
37.9968° N, 119.0185° W
Mono 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 Lee Vining
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Lee Vining
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.