Natural Disaster Risk in Cusick

Natural Hazard Profile: Cusick, Washington

Located in the Pacific Northwest in Pend Oreille County, Cusick is a small community of about 1,549. The oceanic climate that characterizes this part of Washington — marked by mild, rainy winters west of the Cascades and semi-arid conditions to the east — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Cusick a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Cusick's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.6/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Slope instability and debris flows are the primary natural hazard, driven by a combination of local geology, precipitation intensity, and terrain that creates susceptibility to failure. Secondary hazards include avalanche and wildfire.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Cusick's natural disaster risk is near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly below the 5.8/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by landslide and avalanche, as measured by FEMA across Pend Oreille County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a moderate risk rating, Cusick 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.