Natural Disaster Risk in Dillingham

Natural Hazard Profile: Dillingham, Alaska

Dillingham is a small community of about 2,454 in Dillingham County, in Alaska, the northernmost U.S. state. The area experiences subarctic conditions with extreme cold winters and brief summers, with severe winter storms shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Dillingham.

FEMA rates Dillingham's composite natural disaster risk at 5.1 out of 10 — moderate risk. The threat of tsunami inundation tops the local coastal risk profile, requiring residents in low-lying areas to maintain awareness of evacuation routes and warning systems. Residents should also account for volcano and avalanche risk in their preparedness planning.

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

With a moderate risk rating, Dillingham residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for tsunami is recommended.