Natural Disaster Risk in Metlakatla

Natural Hazard Profile: Metlakatla, Alaska

Metlakatla is a small community of about 1,334 in Prince of Wales-Hyder 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 Metlakatla.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Metlakatla carries an overall risk score of 4.1/10, placing it in the moderate category. Coastal tsunami exposure is the dominant hazard concern, with the regional tectonic environment capable of generating both local and distant-source tsunami waves. The area also faces notable exposure to volcano and landslide.

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

Metlakatla'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 tsunami exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.