Natural Disaster Risk in Mountain Home Afb

Natural Hazard Profile: Mountain Home Afb, Idaho

Mountain Home Afb, in Elmore County, is a town of roughly 3,219 residents situated in the Great Plains. 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 Mountain Home Afb residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Mountain Home Afb carries an overall risk score of 5.4/10, placing it in the moderate category. Avalanche risk is the dominant natural hazard, with steep mountain terrain and heavy seasonal snowpack creating conditions for dangerous snow slides in and around the area. The area also faces notable exposure to wildfire and volcano.

Within Idaho, Mountain Home Afb's risk is, near the 5.1/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Elmore County identifies avalanche as the foremost hazard, followed by wildfire and volcano. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Mountain Home Afb 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 avalanche is recommended.