Natural Disaster Risk in Pelican

Natural Hazard Profile: Pelican, Alaska

Pelican, in Hoonah-Angoon County, is a small unincorporated community situated in Alaska, the northernmost U.S. state. Its subarctic climate brings subarctic conditions with extreme cold winters and brief summers, and in particular severe winter storms. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Pelican residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Pelican carries an overall risk score of 4.4/10, placing it in the moderate category. Avalanche risk is the dominant natural hazard, with steep mountain terrain and heavy seasonal snowpack creating conditions for dangerous snow slides in and around the area. The area also faces notable exposure to tsunami and landslide.

Within Alaska, Pelican's risk is, near the 4.6/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Hoonah-Angoon County identifies avalanche as the foremost hazard, followed by tsunami and landslide. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

Pelican'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 avalanche exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.