Natural Disaster Risk in Lemhi

Natural Hazard Profile: Lemhi, Idaho

Located in the Great Plains in Lemhi County, Lemhi is a small unincorporated community. The semi-arid climate that characterizes this part of Idaho — marked by dry summers, cold winters, and significant wildfire risk — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Lemhi a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Lemhi's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.9/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. 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. Secondary hazards include wildfire and volcano.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Lemhi's natural disaster risk is near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 5.1/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by landslide and wildfire, as measured by FEMA across Lemhi County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a moderate risk rating, Lemhi 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.