Natural Disaster Risk in Selawik

Natural Hazard Profile: Selawik, Alaska

Selawik is a small unincorporated community in Northwest Arctic 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 Selawik.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Selawik carries an overall risk score of 4.9/10, placing it in the moderate category. 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. The area also faces notable exposure to volcano and avalanche.

Selawik's risk score, near 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 Northwest Arctic County, the highest-scoring are cold wave, volcano, and avalanche. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Selawik'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.