Natural Disaster Risk in Bristol Bay County

Natural Hazard Profile: Bristol Bay County, Alaska

Bristol Bay County is located in Alaska, the northernmost U.S. state in Alaska, home to roughly 843 residents. The county experiences subarctic conditions with extreme cold winters and brief summers, with severe winter storms shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Bristol Bay County carries an overall risk score of 3.3/10, placing it in the low category. Volcanic hazard exposure defines the local risk environment, driven by proximity to one of the most active volcanic systems in the United States. The area also faces notable exposure to earthquake and tsunami.

Bristol Bay County's risk score, slightly below the 4.6/10 state average and below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Bristol Bay County, the highest-scoring are volcano, earthquake, and tsunami. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, Bristol Bay County is not immune to natural hazards. Basic preparedness — an emergency kit, awareness of seasonal risks, and property insurance that covers volcano — remains prudent for all residents.