Natural Disaster Risk in Cataldo

Natural Hazard Profile: Cataldo, Idaho

Cataldo, in Kootenai County, is a small community of about 1,412 situated in the Pacific Northwest. Its semi-arid climate brings dry summers, cold winters, and significant wildfire risk, and in particular a high fire danger period from July through September. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Cataldo residents and property owners must navigate.

Cataldo's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.2/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The area faces significant landslide risk, where mountainous topography and saturated soils during wet periods combine to create hazardous mass movement conditions. Secondary hazards include winter and avalanche.

Within Idaho, Cataldo's risk is, slightly above the 5.1/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Kootenai County identifies landslide as the foremost hazard, followed by winter and avalanche. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Cataldo residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for landslide and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.