Natural Disaster Risk in Mountlake Terrace
Washington
Risk Summary for Mountlake Terrace
Mountlake Terrace scores 7.3/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Landslide.
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: Mountlake Terrace, Washington
Mountlake Terrace is a city of approximately 23,101 residents in Snohomish County, in the Pacific Northwest. The area experiences mild, rainy winters west of the Cascades and semi-arid conditions to the east, with a critical wildfire period in eastern Washington each summer 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 Mountlake Terrace.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Mountlake Terrace carries an overall risk score of 7.3/10, placing it in the high category. 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. The area also faces notable exposure to volcano and earthquake.
Mountlake Terrace's risk score, slightly above the 5.8/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Snohomish County, the highest-scoring are landslide, volcano, and earthquake. 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, Mountlake Terrace residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for landslide 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 Mountlake Terrace: Landslide preparedness
- Watch for warning signs such as new cracks, tilting trees, or changes in water drainage on slopes.
- Standard insurance generally excludes landslide and earth-movement damage — ask about specialized coverage.
- Have an evacuation plan ready during periods of intense or prolonged rainfall.
Local Factors for Mountlake Terrace
These city-level factors differentiate Mountlake Terrace from other communities in Snohomish County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
23,101
SuburbanGeographic Zone
Pacific Coast
Tsunami, coastal flood & wildfire risk
Climate Band
Northern Continental
Latitude 47.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — summer fire risk
Fire score: 6.6/10
Coordinates
47.7921° N, 122.3076° W
Snohomish 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 Mountlake Terrace
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Mountlake Terrace
Other cities in Washington
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.