Natural Disaster Risk in Upper Tract
West Virginia
Risk Summary for Upper Tract
Upper Tract scores 4.4/10 (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: Upper Tract, West Virginia
Upper Tract is a small community of about 989 in Pendleton County, along the mid-Atlantic coast. The area experiences cold winters, warm summers, and mountainous terrain that intensifies flooding, with flash flooding and winter storms 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 Upper Tract.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Upper Tract carries an overall risk score of 4.4/10, placing it in the moderate category. The threat of avalanche is the primary natural hazard here, with winter snowpack instability on mountain terrain posing risks to roads, structures, and outdoor recreation activities. The area also faces notable exposure to landslide and hurricane.
Upper Tract's risk score, slightly below the 5.0/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Pendleton County, the highest-scoring are avalanche, landslide, and hurricane. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, Upper Tract 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 Upper Tract: Avalanche preparedness
- 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.
- Properties in runout zones may require specialized hazard assessment and insurance.
Local Factors for Upper Tract
These city-level factors differentiate Upper Tract from other communities in Pendleton County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
989
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 38.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 3.6/10
Coordinates
38.8049° N, 79.2512° W
Pendleton 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 Upper Tract
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Upper Tract
Other cities in West 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.