Natural Disaster Risk in Winifred

Natural Hazard Profile: Winifred, Montana

Winifred is a small unincorporated community in Fergus 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 Winifred.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Winifred carries an overall risk score of 5.3/10, placing it in the moderate category. Extreme cold snaps top the local risk profile, with Arctic front passages causing rapid and severe temperature drops that challenge both infrastructure and outdoor safety. The area also faces notable exposure to winter and avalanche.

Winifred's risk score, near 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 Fergus County, the highest-scoring are cold wave, winter, 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, Winifred 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 cold wave is recommended.