Natural Disaster Risk in Schroon Lake

Natural Hazard Profile: Schroon Lake, New York

Schroon Lake is a small community of about 1,756 in Essex County, along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. The area experiences cold winters, warm summers, and significant regional climate variation, with nor'easters and lake-effect snowstorms 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 Schroon Lake.

FEMA rates Schroon Lake's composite natural disaster risk at 5.8 out of 10 — moderate risk. The area faces significant landslide risk, where mountainous topography and saturated soils during wet periods combine to create hazardous mass movement conditions. Residents should also account for avalanche and lightning risk in their preparedness planning.

Schroon Lake's risk score, near the 6.1/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Essex County, the highest-scoring are landslide, avalanche, and lightning. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Schroon Lake 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.