Natural Disaster Risk in Riverton

Natural Hazard Profile: Riverton, Wyoming

Located in the Great Plains in Fremont County, Riverton is a city of approximately 19,413 residents. The semi-arid climate that characterizes this part of Wyoming — marked by high winds, cold winters, and significant snowfall at elevation — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Riverton a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Riverton's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.1/10 (High) 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 volcano.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Riverton's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly above the 5.3/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by landslide and avalanche, as measured by FEMA across Fremont County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Riverton 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.