Climate Risk Summary

Zip Code 98942, Risk Profile

The primary drivers of climate-related financial risk in Selah, WA (98942) are Avalanche, Inland Flooding, and Wildfire. This area also faces an unusually high intensity for Cold Wave, Earthquake, Landslide, and Volcanic Activity compared to national averages.

Understanding the Dollars

Expected Annual Loss (EAL) is a statistical average of property damage for this entire zip code over a standard year across all properties.

  • / It represents the "average cost" rather than a guaranteed yearly bill.
  • / It can be used to compare the relative risk from different hazards and across different neighborhoods.

Primary Risks

Avalanche

$10,443,722

Expected Annual Loss for Zip Code 98942

91.6Score

Relatively High compared to US average

98942
Minimal Estimated LossMax Estimated Loss

Inland Flooding

$3,601,277

Expected Annual Loss for Zip Code 98942

76.1Score

Relatively High compared to US average

98942
Minimal Estimated LossMax Estimated Loss

Wildfire

$3,307,082

Expected Annual Loss for Zip Code 98942

97.5Score

Very High compared to US average

98942
Minimal Estimated LossMax Estimated Loss

Zip Code Risk Map

Legend
Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High
Extreme

Financial Risk Inventory

MAJOR DRIVER
Avalanche
$10,443,722
Score: 91.6
MAJOR DRIVER
Inland Flooding
$3,601,277
Score: 76.1
MAJOR DRIVER
Wildfire
$3,307,082
Score: 97.5
UNUSUALLY HIGH
Cold Wave
$1,196,766
Score: 91.5
UNUSUALLY HIGH
Earthquake
$1,051,822
Score: 83.3
Heat Wave
$263,476
Score: 73.3
Hail
$103,174
Score: 58.7
Strong Wind
$36,414
Score: 39.4
UNUSUALLY HIGH
Landslide
$34,469
Score: 94.6
Lightning
$27,656
Score: 42.2
Winter Weather
$18,362
Score: 68.0
Tornado
$11,215
Score: 8.7
Ice Storm
$6,880
Score: 27.4
UNUSUALLY HIGH
Volcanic Activity
$546
Score: 95.3
Drought
$494
Score: 72.8

Recommended Mitigation Strategies

Recommended investments to protect your property value and reduce insurance liability based on your local risk profile.

🏠Low Investment

Avalanche Mitigation

General property maintenance and insurance review recommended.

Risk Score: 91.6
💧Medium Investment

Inland Flooding Mitigation

Install a smart sump pump with battery backup and extend downspouts 10ft from foundation.

Risk Score: 76.1
🔥Low Investment

Wildfire Mitigation

Create a 5ft 'non-combustible' zone around your home using gravel or pavers instead of mulch.

Risk Score: 97.5
🏠Low Investment

Cold Wave Mitigation

General property maintenance and insurance review recommended.

Risk Score: 91.5
🏠Low Investment

Earthquake Mitigation

General property maintenance and insurance review recommended.

Risk Score: 83.3
⛰️High Investment

Landslide Mitigation

Professional slope stabilization and foundation drainage inspection is highly recommended.

Risk Score: 94.6
🏠Low Investment

Volcanic Activity Mitigation

General property maintenance and insurance review recommended.

Risk Score: 95.3

Methodology and Sources

Spatial Aggregation

Our "Atlas" risk scores are derived using a population-weighted spatial join. Because US Zip Codes and Census Tracts do not share perfectly aligned boundaries, a simple geographic average would be misleading. We utilize US Census Block Group population statistics to identify where residents actually live within a Zip Code. We then intersect these points with FEMA National Risk Index (NRI) hazard data to calculate a weighted exposure score.

Financial Projections (EAL)

Expected Annual Loss (EAL) estimates the average economic impact of natural hazards in dollars per year. This calculation incorporates three components: Exposure (the value of structures and agriculture), Annualized Frequency (historical probability), and Historic Loss Ratio (vulnerability of the area).

Primary Data Sources

  • FEMA National Risk IndexHazard frequency and loss data (v1.20.0)
  • U.S. Census BureauTIGER/Line 2025 Shapefiles & Decennial Population

Nearby Locations

Zip Code 98937Zip Code 98908Zip Code 98926Zip Code 98947Zip Code 98923Zip Code 98902