🌍 ClimateRiskCheck

Natural Disaster Risk β€” ZIP Code 98295

Sumas, Washington

6.9out of 10
High Risk

Risk Summary for ZIP 98295

ZIP 98295 scores 6.9/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Avalanche.

Top Hazards

Avalanche Tsunami Volcanic Activity

All 18 Hazard Scores

Avalanche
10.0
Tsunami
9.9
Volcanic Activity
9.9
Earthquake
9.8
Landslide
9.8
Ice Storm
9.8
Coastal Flooding
9.5
Cold Wave
8.8
Winter Weather
8.5
Extreme Heat
8.2
Lightning
6.7
Wildfire
6.6
Drought
2.5
Tornado
2.4
Hurricane
2.4
Strong Wind
1.4
Hail
1.4
Riverine Flooding
1.0

How it compares

ZIP 98295
6.9
Washington avg.
5.8
US national avg.
4.5

Live Conditions

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🏠 What this means for insurance

Above-average risk β€” 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: ZIP 98295, Washington

ZIP 98295 covers part of the Sumas area, in the Pacific Northwest. The surrounding region 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 natural hazards that residents of this ZIP code face. Risk scores here are derived from FEMA data for the encompassing county.

FEMA rates ZIP 98295's composite natural disaster risk at 6.9 out of 10 β€” high risk. Snow avalanche exposure tops the local risk profile, with the area's mountain setting and annual snowfall loading producing regular avalanche cycles on steep slopes. Residents should also account for tsunami and volcano risk in their preparedness planning.

ZIP 98295'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, the highest-scoring are avalanche, tsunami, and volcano. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

ZIP 98295's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.

What this means for ZIP 98295: 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.

Risk for the surrounding area

Local Factors for ZIP 98295

These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 98295 from other communities in Washington County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.

Population

3,279

Small Town

Geographic Zone

Pacific Coast

Tsunami, coastal flood & wildfire risk

Climate Band

Northern Continental

Latitude 49.0Β°

Flood Terrain

Minimal β€” county topography limits flood risk

Flood score: 1.0/10

Wildfire Exposure

Moderate β€” summer fire risk

Fire score: 6.6/10

Coordinates

48.9716Β° N, 122.2213Β° W

Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.

Recent Climate Data for ZIP 98295

Last 12 months Β· Source: Open-Meteo archive

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Nearby ZIP codes

Other cities in Washington

Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). County-level data applied to ZIP codes within each county. Scores are normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only β€” consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.