Natural Disaster Risk in Kooskia

Natural Hazard Profile: Kooskia, Idaho

Kooskia is a small community of about 2,427 in Idaho County, in the northern tier of the continental United States. The area experiences dry summers, cold winters, and significant wildfire risk, with a high fire danger period from July through September 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 Kooskia.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Kooskia carries an overall risk score of 4.6/10, placing it in the moderate category. Slope instability and debris flows are the primary natural hazard, driven by a combination of local geology, precipitation intensity, and terrain that creates susceptibility to failure. The area also faces notable exposure to wildfire and avalanche.

Kooskia's risk score, slightly below the 5.1/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Idaho County, the highest-scoring are landslide, wildfire, and avalanche. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Kooskia 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.