Kelso Washington is the county seat of Cowlitz County and sits adjacent to Longview at the Cowlitz-Columbia river confluence. The community sits directly in the primary lahar flow path from Mount St Helens — a future eruption could send massive volcanic mudflows down the Cowlitz River through Kelso. The 1980 eruption deposited significant sediment in the Cowlitz that raised river beds and increased flooding risk throughout the county. Industrial chemical facilities add to the compound hazard profile.
// Preparedness Recommendations
- Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
- Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
- Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
- Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.
// Recommended Supplies
Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.
- Emergency Food Supplies
- Water Filtration & Storage
- Backup Generator
- Solar Backup Power
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// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 8 / 10 High |
| Primary Hazard | Chemical / Industrial / Volcano Lahar / Flooding |
| FEMA Flood Zone | Moderate |
| County FEMA Declarations | 7 |
| Last Major Event | Mt. St. Helens 1980 |
// Emergency Information
| Emergency Phone | 360-423-9880 |
| Evacuation Routes | State and US highways |
| Elevation | 16 ft above sea level |
// County Risk Profile
Cowlitz County WA
Washington · Earthquake / Volcanic
View full county emergency preparedness profile →
6/10
Moderate Risk