County Data
Whatcom County, Washington
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Whatcom County
Relatively Moderate
Hazard Risk (17.7/100)
Fair
Solar (3.5 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Whatcom County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Volcanic Activity | Relatively High | 57.7 |
| Avalanche | Relatively High | 48.3 |
| Coastal Flooding | Relatively Moderate | 30.8 |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate | 16.8 |
| Earthquake | Relatively Moderate | 14.7 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 44°F |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 10.1″ |
| Solar Potential | 3.5 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 0.9 m/s |
| Soil Type | Silt Loam |
Local Species
44
Edible species
20
Medicinal species
48
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Whatcom County, Washington?
- Whatcom County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Moderate based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Volcanic Activity, Avalanche, Coastal Flooding. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is Whatcom County good for solar power?
- Whatcom County has a fair solar rating. Solar potential is based on average daily irradiance (kWh/m²/day), which determines how much energy rooftop or ground-mounted panels can produce year-round.
- How many edible plants grow in Whatcom County?
- Our database identifies 44 edible plant species in Whatcom County based on regional flora data, USDA hardiness zone, and iNaturalist observations. The full field guide includes identification notes, preparation methods, and seasonal availability.
- What is the autonomy score for Whatcom County?
- Whatcom County has an autonomy score of 48. This composite score measures local self-reliance potential across water access, food production capacity, energy resources, and supply chain resilience. Higher scores indicate greater potential for self-sufficiency.