A major goal of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is to reduce the vulnerability of the people and areas most at risk from natural hazards. Working with partners throughout all sectors of society, the USGS provides information, products, and knowledge to help build more resilient communities. This site provides important links to a number of hazard related internet sites that provide important information on the types of hazards that could occur in Alaska and how to better protect you and your families before and during a significant hazard event.
Natural Hazards
The U.S. Geological Survey provides critical information to help protect communities from the natural hazards that occur every day. Our science is used by emergency responders and policymakers to support public safety, security, and the economic well-being of the Nation. Stay informed and be prepared!
Earthquakes
Earthquake hazards will always be with us, but the consequences are not inevitable if we are educated about the appropriate actions when living in earthquake prone areas. The USGS monitors for earthquakes worldwide and reports as soon and accurately as possible all significant earthquakes.
- USGS Earthquake Information
- Alaska Earthquake Center
- Did you feel it?
- Are you prepared? (PDF)
- Alaska Earthquake Alliance
- Do you know what to do in case of an earthquake?
- View the video of the Great Alaska ShakeOut Drop, Cover, Hold On drill on Facebook or YouTube
Floods
Flooding causes billions of dollars in damage and threatens lives and property in every state. For more than 100 years, the USGS has played a critical role in reducing flood losses by operating a nationwide streamgage network that monitors the water level and flow of the Nation's rivers and streams.
- USGS Real-time water data for Alaska
- NOAA Flood forecast
- USGS Water Data Collection for Emergency Management
Volcanoes
Volcanoes are a common sight in south central and western Alaska and can erupt at anytime, often without warning. The USGS Volcano Science Center, along with other federal, state, and university resources, monitor and study Alaska's hazardous volcanoes, and to predict and record eruptive activity.
- USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory
- USGS Volcano Status Map
- Is Ash Falling? Report it here.
Tsunamis
Alaska is one of five Pacific states in the United States especially vulnerable to tsunamis, which can be triggered by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, submarine landslides, or onshore landslides. The USGS, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), assesses the Nation's tsunami hazards, provides tsunami education, and improves its system for tsunami warning.
Wildfires
Wildfires can occur in remote, rural, and urban areas. They pose a threat to life and property, and may induce a number of health concerns such as respiratory conditions. USGS has joined researchers from universities and federal and state agencies to address our understanding of wildfire dynamics and ecological impacts in Alaska.
Landslides
Landslides commonly occur in connection with other major natural disasters such as earthquakes (such as the 1964 earthquake), volcanoes, wildfires, and floods. The USGS provides scientific information intended to help educate the public about landslides and provides information to local, State, and Federal planning agencies.
- Landslide Preparedness
- USGS Seismic Landslide Hazards in Anchorage, Alaska (2009 publication)
News
- AK News Source
- Anchorage Daily News
- Listen to the radio for public safety instructions; tune into KFQD 750 AM
Other
- Anchorage School District | Mat-Su School District
- 511 - Alaska Transportation Info
- Where possible, text instead of calling, so the phone lines remain clear for emergencies.
- Call 911 for emergencies only.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Did You Feel It?
Feel an earthquake? Report it here. View reported earthquakes in your area.
Alaska Volcano Observatory - Is Ash Falling?
Reports of ash fall are important to us; we use your observations to assess the character and size of an eruption plume. We report these data to the National Weather Service so they can keep their Ashfall Advisories current. Additionally, reports of NO ashfall during an eruption with expected ashfall are also important to us.
Wildfires: GEOMAC
Maps of current fire locations and perimeters in the conterminous 48 States and Alaska.
Below are publications associated with this project.
The 30 November 2018 Mw7.1 Anchorage Earthquake
Below are news stories associated with this project.
- Overview
A major goal of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is to reduce the vulnerability of the people and areas most at risk from natural hazards. Working with partners throughout all sectors of society, the USGS provides information, products, and knowledge to help build more resilient communities. This site provides important links to a number of hazard related internet sites that provide important information on the types of hazards that could occur in Alaska and how to better protect you and your families before and during a significant hazard event.
Natural Hazards
The U.S. Geological Survey provides critical information to help protect communities from the natural hazards that occur every day. Our science is used by emergency responders and policymakers to support public safety, security, and the economic well-being of the Nation. Stay informed and be prepared!
Earthquakes
Damage from the 1964 Alaskan Earthquake. Credit: USGS Earthquake hazards will always be with us, but the consequences are not inevitable if we are educated about the appropriate actions when living in earthquake prone areas. The USGS monitors for earthquakes worldwide and reports as soon and accurately as possible all significant earthquakes.
- USGS Earthquake Information
- Alaska Earthquake Center
- Did you feel it?
- Are you prepared? (PDF)
- Alaska Earthquake Alliance
- Do you know what to do in case of an earthquake?
- View the video of the Great Alaska ShakeOut Drop, Cover, Hold On drill on Facebook or YouTube
Floods
Exit Creek flooding across the road.(Credit: Janet Curran, USGS ASC. Public domain.) Flooding causes billions of dollars in damage and threatens lives and property in every state. For more than 100 years, the USGS has played a critical role in reducing flood losses by operating a nationwide streamgage network that monitors the water level and flow of the Nation's rivers and streams.
- USGS Real-time water data for Alaska
- NOAA Flood forecast
- USGS Water Data Collection for Emergency Management
Volcanoes
Volcanoes are a common sight in south central and western Alaska and can erupt at anytime, often without warning. The USGS Volcano Science Center, along with other federal, state, and university resources, monitor and study Alaska's hazardous volcanoes, and to predict and record eruptive activity.
- USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory
- USGS Volcano Status Map
- Is Ash Falling? Report it here.
Tsunamis
Alaska is one of five Pacific states in the United States especially vulnerable to tsunamis, which can be triggered by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, submarine landslides, or onshore landslides. The USGS, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), assesses the Nation's tsunami hazards, provides tsunami education, and improves its system for tsunami warning.
Wildfires
Deer Creek fire of 2004 in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Park. (Public domain.) Wildfires can occur in remote, rural, and urban areas. They pose a threat to life and property, and may induce a number of health concerns such as respiratory conditions. USGS has joined researchers from universities and federal and state agencies to address our understanding of wildfire dynamics and ecological impacts in Alaska.
Landslides
Landslides commonly occur in connection with other major natural disasters such as earthquakes (such as the 1964 earthquake), volcanoes, wildfires, and floods. The USGS provides scientific information intended to help educate the public about landslides and provides information to local, State, and Federal planning agencies.
- Landslide Preparedness
- USGS Seismic Landslide Hazards in Anchorage, Alaska (2009 publication)
News
- AK News Source
- Anchorage Daily News
- Listen to the radio for public safety instructions; tune into KFQD 750 AM
Other
- Anchorage School District | Mat-Su School District
- 511 - Alaska Transportation Info
- Where possible, text instead of calling, so the phone lines remain clear for emergencies.
- Call 911 for emergencies only.
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage Earthquake
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck north of Anchorage, Alaska, on November 30, 2018, at 8:29 a.m. local time (17:29:28 UTC).Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards
Alaska has more large earthquakes than the rest of the United States combined. More than three-quarters of the state’s population live in an area that can experience a magnitude 7 earthquake. Our research provides objective science that helps stakeholders prepare for and mitigate the effects of future earthquakes and tsunamis, which bolsters the economic health and well-being of Alaska and the... - Data
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Did You Feel It?
Feel an earthquake? Report it here. View reported earthquakes in your area.
Alaska Volcano Observatory - Is Ash Falling?
Reports of ash fall are important to us; we use your observations to assess the character and size of an eruption plume. We report these data to the National Weather Service so they can keep their Ashfall Advisories current. Additionally, reports of NO ashfall during an eruption with expected ashfall are also important to us.
Wildfires: GEOMAC
Maps of current fire locations and perimeters in the conterminous 48 States and Alaska.
- Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
The 30 November 2018 Mw7.1 Anchorage Earthquake
The Mw 7.1 47 km deep earthquake that occurred on 30 November 2018 had deep societal impacts across southcentral Alaska and exhibited phenomena of broad scientific interest. We document observations that point to future directions of research and hazard mitigation. The rupture mechanism, aftershocks, and deformation of the mainshock are consistent with extension inside the Pacific plate near the dAuthorsMichael E. West, Adrian Bender, Matthew Gardine, Lea Gardine, Kara Gately, Peter J. Haeussler, Wael Hassan, Franz Meyer, Cole Richards, Natalia Ruppert, Carl Tape, John Thornley, Robert Witter - News
Below are news stories associated with this project.