Natural Disaster Risk in Bettles Field

Natural Hazard Profile: Bettles Field, Alaska

Located in Alaska, the northernmost U.S. state in Yukon-Koyukuk County, Bettles Field is a small unincorporated community. The subarctic climate that characterizes this part of Alaska — marked by subarctic conditions with extreme cold winters and brief summers — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Bettles Field a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Bettles Field's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.2/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Extreme cold snaps top the local risk profile, with Arctic front passages causing rapid and severe temperature drops that challenge both infrastructure and outdoor safety. Secondary hazards include avalanche and landslide.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Bettles Field's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly above the 4.6/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by cold wave and avalanche, as measured by FEMA across Yukon-Koyukuk County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

Bettles Field's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that cold wave exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.