Natural Disaster Risk in Clear Fork

Natural Hazard Profile: Clear Fork, West Virginia

Clear Fork, in Wyoming County, is a small community of about 890 situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid continental climate brings cold winters, warm summers, and mountainous terrain that intensifies flooding, and in particular flash flooding and winter storms. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Clear Fork residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Clear Fork carries an overall risk score of 5.2/10, 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 West Virginia, Clear Fork's risk is, near the 5.0/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Wyoming 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.

Clear Fork's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that avalanche exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.