Natural Disaster Risk in Rocky Gap
Virginia
Risk Summary for Rocky Gap
Rocky Gap scores 4.1/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Avalanche.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Rocky Gap, Virginia
Rocky Gap, in Bland County, is a small unincorporated community situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid subtropical climate brings hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons, and in particular hurricane and nor'easter exposure. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Rocky Gap residents and property owners must navigate.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Rocky Gap carries an overall risk score of 4.1/10, 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 landslide and cold wave.
Within Virginia, Rocky Gap's risk is, slightly below the 5.1/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Bland County identifies avalanche as the foremost hazard, followed by landslide and cold wave. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a moderate risk rating, Rocky Gap 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.
What this means for Rocky Gap: Avalanche preparedness
- Properties in runout zones may require specialized hazard assessment and insurance.
- Check avalanche forecasts before backcountry travel and carry a beacon, probe, and shovel.
- Be aware of slope angles and recent snow loading, which drive avalanche risk.
Local Factors for Rocky Gap
These city-level factors differentiate Rocky Gap from other communities in Bland County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
466
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 37.3°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 1.8/10
Coordinates
37.2643° N, 81.1031° W
Bland 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 Rocky Gap
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Rocky Gap
Other cities in Virginia
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.