Natural Disaster Risk in Fort Shaw
Montana
Risk Summary for Fort Shaw
Fort Shaw scores 6.3/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Winter Weather.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Fort Shaw, Montana
Fort Shaw is a small community of about 705 in Cascade County, in the northern tier of the continental United States. The area experiences cold winters, dry summers, and extreme temperature swings, with rapid chinook wind events and spring flooding 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 Fort Shaw.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Fort Shaw carries an overall risk score of 6.3/10, placing it in the high category. The area faces significant winter hazard exposure, with nor'easters, ice storms, or blizzards regularly challenging transportation networks and power infrastructure. The area also faces notable exposure to cold wave and avalanche.
Fort Shaw's risk score, slightly above the 4.9/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Cascade County, the highest-scoring are winter, cold wave, and avalanche. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a high natural disaster risk rating, Fort Shaw residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for winter 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.
What this means for Fort Shaw: Winter Weather preparedness
- Insulate pipes and keep a backup heat source to prevent freezing during extended cold.
- Maintain an emergency kit in your vehicle and home for snow- or ice-related power outages.
- Clear roof snow loads when heavy to prevent structural strain and ice dams.
Local Factors for Fort Shaw
These city-level factors differentiate Fort Shaw from other communities in Cascade County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
705
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Northern Continental
Latitude 47.6°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 8.6/10
Coordinates
47.5621° N, 111.8265° W
Cascade 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 Fort Shaw
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Fort Shaw
Other cities in Montana
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.