Natural Disaster Risk in San Juan County

Natural Hazard Profile: San Juan County, Washington

San Juan County, in the United States in Washington, is characterized by its oceanic climate — mild, rainy winters west of the Cascades and semi-arid conditions to the east. The county faces a critical wildfire period in eastern Washington each summer, and its FEMA risk assessment establishes the hazard baseline shared by all the towns and cities it contains.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, San Juan County carries an overall risk score of 4.7/10, placing it in the moderate category. Tsunami risk is the primary coastal hazard, driven by the area's proximity to seismically active offshore zones capable of generating ocean waves that inundate low-lying coastlines. The area also faces notable exposure to volcano and coastal flood.

Within Washington, San Juan County's risk is, slightly below the 5.8/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of San Juan County identifies tsunami as the foremost hazard, followed by volcano and coastal flood. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, San Juan County 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 tsunami is recommended.