Akiak experiences severe riverine erosion, flooding, severe weather events, subsidence due to permafrost degradation, and wildland fire. Riverine erosion is Akiak’s greatest natural hazard threat. In May 2019, more than 75 feet of riverbank was lost in a single event along a mile-long stretch of the Kuskokwim River, resulting in the loss of several smokehouses and endangering residences. . In 2012, flooding eroded more than 150 feet of the community’s riverbank, resulting in the loss of the community’s original cemetery, fuel header protective embankment, and a house. As a result of this event, Akiak’s tribal and city governments jointly submitted a disaster declaration to the Governor of Alaska requesting disaster relief.

In 2009, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Alaska Baseline Erosion Assessment identified Akiak as a Priority Action Community in which erosion is threatening the viability of the community, significant resources are being expended to minimize such threats, or both conditions are present, and the community should be considered for immediate action in either initiating an investigation or continuing with ongoing efforts to manage erosion. The USACE also selected Akiak for a Detailed Erosion Assessment. The assessment determined that Akiak was losing 31,900 square feet of land per year (.73 acres). The assessment projected that Akiak would lose an additional 37.33 acres of land with property damages totaling $373,000 and building damages totaling $4.5 million over a 50-year period of analysis. The 2009 Government Accountability Office Report on Flooding and Erosion in Alaska Native Villages identified Akiak as one of 31 Alaska Native Villages facing imminent flooding and erosion threats. At the community’s request, Akiak will be prioritized for a new Risk MAP project in 2020.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Akiak

Alakanuk is subject to severe storm events, flooding, river bank erosion and destabilization, and wildfires. Flooding and riverine erosion are significant hazard threats to Alakanuk. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has designated Alakanuk as a High-Flood Hazard Community, with the entire community vulnerable to the effects of flooding. Ice jams on the Yukon River frequently flood the community. In a 2013 flood event, flood water was two to three feet deep in some areas of the community. Three or four homes had water in them and the residents of these homes were evacuated. The sewage lagoon was inundated, and it was noted that some propane tanks were floating in town. The highest water level on record took place in 1952 when water flood water was approximately five feet deep in the highest part of the old village. In 1975, riverine erosion destroyed Alakanuk’s cannery and led to the relocation of many homes in the village. In 1993, 20 feet of bank eroded in one day.

In 2009, the USACE Alaska Baseline Erosion Assessment identified Alakanuk as a Priority Action Community in which erosion is threatening the viability of the community, significant resources are being expended to minimize such threats, or both conditions are present, and the community should be considered for immediate action in either initiating an investigation or continuing with ongoing efforts to manage erosion. The USACE also selected Alakanuk for a detailed erosion assessment. The assessment determined that Alakanuk was losing 61,650 square feet per year (1.42 acres) along all seven river reaches. The assessment projected that Alakanuk would lose an additional 72.18 acres of land and property totaling $722,000 in damages over a 50-year period of analysis. The 2009 Government Accountability Office Report on Flooding and Erosion in Alaska Native Villages identified Alakanuk as one of 31 Alaska Native Villages facing imminent flooding and erosion threats. Alakanuk was identified as highly vulnerable to flooding and highly vulnerable for all hazards (erosion, flood, permafrost degradation) in aggregate in the 2018 Alaska Statewide Threat Assessment. Alakanuk was prioritized for a new Risk MAP project in 2019.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Alakanuk

For additional information on the village of Alakanuk, please visit the Alakanuk Risk MAP Study Page

Allakaket has experienced flooding and associated erosion caused by ice jams during spring snowmelt and from summer rainfall. Major flood events occurred in 1937, 1938, 1939, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1989, and 1994. The federally-declared 1994 Koyukuk Flood Disaster destroyed 17 homes, damaged 40 homes, and significantly damaged the community’s public facilities. Severe erosion occurred during this flood event. The damage was so extensive and severe that the community partially relocated on higher ground about 2 miles inland and uphill from the old location.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Allakaket

Atmautluak environmental threat profile

In 2009, the USACE Alaska Baseline Erosion Assessment identified Atmautluak as a XX Action Communitysummary. Atmautluak was identified as RANK to flooding and highly vulnerable for all hazards (erosion, flood, permafrost degradation) in aggregate in the 2019 Alaska Statewide Threat Assessment.

Due to Bethel’s location on the largest oxbow curve in the Kuskokwim River, the community is highly susceptible to riverine erosion. The US Army Corps of Engineers built a seawall which has stabilized the Kuskokwim banks along the community and protects city dock and harbor infrastructure, residential and commercial buildings and the public road and utility poles nearby.

Bethel experiences flooding nearly annually, inundating 80 % of the community’s residential and commercial areas. The USACE has determined that most of Bethel is within the Special Flood Hazard Area, areas where the ground elevation is below 17.1 feet mean lower low water. Areas such as Brown’s Slough are the most flood prone and contain a high density of the residential development. During breakup, flooding is caused by ice jams, however in late summer and early fall, heavy rains can also flood Bethel. Poor drainage, frozen ground, permafrost, and low relief contribute to the flooding problems. The interaction of flooding and erosion have impacted community infrastructure in several events in 1985, 1990, 1995. The impacts of degrading permafrost in Bethel include surface subsidence, impacting roads , buildings and residences, resulting in costly projects to repair damage.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Bethel

Chefornak experiences severe weather, erosion, flooding and subsidence due to permafrost degradation. Erosion poses the most significant threat to the community; however flooding and thawing permafrost contribute to the erosion threat. Chefornak experiences coastal erosion occurring along the shoreline of the Bering Sea and riverine erosion along the Kinia River embankment. Erosion of the Kinia River poses a particular threat to homes, the barge landing/jetty, bulk fuel tank farm and the Coastal Villages Region Fund Fisheries Support Center. Flood events at Chefornak have caused numerous problems in combination with erosion and thawing permafrost hazards. The introduction of floodwaters has increased thawing of the permafrost layer, causing settlement and failure of building foundations. Floodwaters have accelerated degradation of the remaining river bank and disrupted transportation to essential parts of the community. Thawing of the permafrost layer has caused subsidence, impacting the Head Start Building and utility poles.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Chefornak

Chevak (Coming Soon)

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Chevak

Circle is susceptible to severe road surface damage and erosion from heavy rainfall, snowmelt, and spring run-off. Ice jams and spring run-off flooding causes the most damages to the community. In 1989, property below the central part of the community was lost to significant erosion. Some residents lost 25 feet of property with erosion increased by seasonally high river levels. All the soils of the Circle vicinity are highly predisposed to frost heaving. Large areas of nearly level soils on the alluvial plains are underlain by permafrost, as are most of the soils in upland drainageways and depressions. Removal of the insulating organic mat causes thawing of the upper part of the permafrost.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Circle

Deering experiences riverine and coastal erosion on an annual basis. In 2001, the shoreline eroded approximately 61 feet. During a 2006 event, the shoreline eroded approximately 50 feet.

Storm surges and wind-driven waves cause significant coastal flooding at least once every 40 to 60 years. Deering experiences flooding impacts annually; mostly due to tidally-influenced storm surge and riverine high-water flow events. A major flood in 1973 caused extensive damage to many homes and a number of residents were temporarily evacuated to a mining camp 22 miles upriver. During high floods events, the road provided ingress and egress to and from the village becomes blocked.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Circle

Diomede is subject to severe weather, erosion and coastal flooding, however a reduction in Bering Sea ice has most significantly impacted the community’s well-being and safety. One of the most remote communities in the United States, Diomede is located on the west coast of Little Diomede Island in the middle of the Bering Strait. The village has relied on shore-fast sea ice in the winter to provide a landing strip for planes transporting residents and delivering medicine and essential supplies. For generations, local hunters have relied upon sea ice to provide access to walrus, a main staple for Diomede families who depend largely on subsistence food from the ocean to survive. Recent changes in sea ice extent and weather patterns have severely decreased access to walrus and other subsistence resources, and limited air travel to helicopter service. A reduction in sea ice has made the village increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events. Cyclonic and anti-cyclonic storms frequently create damaging ocean swells that batter the village. These events have damaged local utility and power plants resulting in loss of power to homes, the school, and the store. Diomede has been part of disaster declarations due to severe weather in 1990 and 2004 and for utility failure (water, power) in 1991, 2003 and 2013.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Diomede

Eagle is threatened by erosion, flooding, subsidence from thawing permafrost, severe weather and wildland fire. The 2009 Alaska Baseline Erosion Assessment noted that ice jams from spring break-up are the primary cause of bank erosion in Eagle. The eroding area was estimated to be 1,690 feet in length with the height of the eroding bank estimated at 25 to 40 feet. Several residences, outbuildings, the community well house, community building, Front Road, the clinic, the tribal work force office, the church, and the remains of the historic school house were all threatened by the eroding river bank. Eagle experiences severe ice jam impact damages. Ice-jam impacts and subsequent flooding causes the most damages to the community’s infrastructure. The community has been part of ficer presidentially-declared disaster declarations.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Eagle

Elim (Coming Soon)

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Elim

Emmonak is impacted by flooding, erosion and severe winter storm events. Emmonak is located on Kwiguk Pass, which is a vast tributary to the Yukon River. For years, the riverbank has continually eroded away after each spring thaw as debris, ice, and excess water continue to pound the shoreline. The community has previously placed rip rap to secure areas of the riverbank, but erosion continues further upstream as the banks are left exposed to the elements. Infrastructure within 300 feet of the riverbank is threatened by this erosion. Flooding in Emmonak is widespread. Multiple areas within the village will flood simultaneously due to the low-lying terrain throughout the community. In 2013, Emmonak was part of the Presidentially-Declared Disaster (DR-4122) due to ice jam flooding.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Emmonak

For additional information on the village of Emmonak, please visit the Emmonak Risk MAP Study Page

Fort Yukon is subject to flooding, riverine erosion, permafrost degradation, severe weather events and wildland fires. The community has a history of significant flooding of the Yukon and Porcupine Rivers which inundates most of the community. According to the USACE Floodplain Mapping and Data website, flooding in Fort Yukon occurs in mid-May during the breakup of the Yukon and Porcupine Rivers and is caused mainly by ice jams. The most damaging flood on record for Fort Yukon took place 1949 as a result of ice jams on the Porcupine River which resulted in 7-foot deep floodwaters in the community. In May 2015, a State Disaster Declaration was issued by then-Governor Walker for severe flooding at Fort Yukon which damaged roads and community infrastructure. In 2013, Fort Yukon was part of a Federal Disaster Declaration for spring floods that caused extensive damage to a communities along the Yukon River.

In 2009, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Alaska Baseline Erosion Assessment identified Fort Yukon as a Monitor Conditions Community in which there are significant impacts related to erosion, but those impacts are not likely to affect the viability of the community. Fort Yukon was identified as highly vulnerable to all hazards in aggregate (flood, erosion and permafrost degradation) in the 2018 Alaska Statewide Threat Assessment.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Fort Yukon

Galena is located on a floodplain along the Yukon River on flat land slightly above the elevation of the riverbank . The community is subject to ice jams and stream overflow flooding from the Yukon River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported a high frequency of flooding and found Galena to be in a high flood hazard area. The 2013 Spring Ice Jam Flood (DR4122) established a new flood of record and was the worst flood in Galena’s history. Most of the community voluntarily evacuated to avoid serious injury. The Old Town section was completely destroyed by flood water and ice impacts. The New Town section was extensively damaged in similar manner. Approximately 194 homes were seriously damaged, uninhabitable, and must be completely rebuilt. Long term recovery efforts will continue through 2016. Galena experiences significant flooding and riverine erosion. Erosion is occurring all along the Yukon riverbank. During break-up, the thawed riverbank is water saturated and unstable allowing the swollen river to wash it away. The Yukon River has removed most of the river bank protecting Old Town and is continuing towards New Town.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Galena

Golovin experiences significant flooding, erosion, permafrost subsidence, severe storms and wildland fires. Storm surge flooding and erosion pose particular threats to the community. Golovin was included in Federally-Declared Disaster Declarations in 2005, 2011 and 2013, State of Alaska Disaster Declarations in 2004, 2005, 20111 and 2013 and historical local events in 1913, 1945 and 1946. In the flood of record in 1992, floodwater damaged public facilities and infrastructure.

In the 2009 Alaska Baseline Erosion Assessment, Golovin was identified as a Priority Action Community indicating that the community should be considered for immediate action by either initiating an evaluation of potential solutions or continuing with ongoing efforts to manage erosion. The 2009 Government Accountability Office (GAO) Report on Flooding and Erosion in Alaska Native Villages identified Golovin as one of 31 Alaska Native Villages facing imminent flooding and erosion threats. The GAO report also identified Golovin as one of eight imminently threatened villages that are likely to gradually migrate to a safer location over time. In the 2018 Alaska Statewide Threat Assessment, Golovin was identified as being highly vulnerable to flooding and erosion, and highly vulnerable to all threats (flooding, erosion, permafrost degradation) in aggregate.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Golovin

Hooper Bay (Coming Soon)

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Koyuk

Historically, riverine erosion hazards have historically affected Hughes during each flood event due to high water flow rates and ice scouring. Erosion is influenced by flooding, spring break-up, ice scour, and thawing permafrost. The entire community of Hughes is susceptible to flood impacts. Most of the community’s structures are above the level of the certified highwater mark, however flooding in 1994 went beyond this level and inundated much of the lower City, including streets and residential structures. Similar flood events have been recorded in other years, including an event that occurred in 2006 when large portions of the community and community infrastructure, and several roads were inundated and eroded by high flow floodwaters.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Hughes

Huslia is subject to erosion, severe weather, subsidence due to permafrost degradation and wildland fire. Riverine erosion is Huslia’s most serious natural hazard concern. The most active erosion area is at the 70-foot high bluff along 2,000 feet of the Koyukuk River adjacent to the village. Mass wasting has taken place along the bluff since 1974, particularly during spring break-up. Community infrastructure (power plant, gas and oil bulk fuel storage facility, water and sewer pipes) and homes have been relocated to avoid erosion damage. Single erosion events have been reported to cause as much as 80 feet of river bank to be lost along the 2,000-foot stretch adjacent to the village. In June 2014, high water in the Koyukuk River caused by heavy rainfall and snowmelt cause the loos of 70 feet of riverbank to erosion. In early June 2019, high water in the Koyukuk River threatened homes and infrastructure along the eroding riverbank.

In the 2009 Alaska Baseline Erosion Assessment, Huslia was identified as a Priority Action Community indicating that the community should be considered for immediate action by either initiating an evaluation of potential solutions or continuing with ongoing efforts to manage erosion. The 2009 Government Accountability Office (GAO) Report on Flooding and Erosion in Alaska Native Villages identified Huslia as one of 31 Alaska Native Villages facing imminent flooding and erosion threats. In the 2018 Alaska Statewide Threat Assessment, Huslia was identified as being highly vulnerable to erosion, vulnerable to permafrost hazards and highly vulnerable using weighted scores.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Huslia

Kipnuk environmental threat profile

In 2009, the USACE Alaska Baseline Erosion Assessment identified Kipnuk as a XX Action Communitysummary. Kipnuk was identified as RANK to flooding and highly vulnerable for all hazards (erosion, flood, permafrost degradation) in aggregate in the 2019 Alaska Statewide Threat Assessment.

The barrier island on which Kivalina is located has long been subject to the processes of accretion and erosion. Residents of the community have expressed concerns about storm surges and erosion since soon after the community was first established. A longer ice-free period that makes the village vulnerable to dangerous fall storms. Storm events in 2004 and 2005 eroded the Chukchi Sea shoreline, threatening critical infrastructure and facilities including the community fuel tank farm, school and airstrip. Chronic erosion on the lagoon side of the island has threatened homes, which are in danger of falling into the lagoon. On the seaside of the island, fall storm surges create annual coastal flooding and beach erosion.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Kivalina

For detailed information on the village of Kivalina, please visit the following webpages:

• Kivalina Strategic Management Plan
• Kivalina Interagency Planning Group

Kotlik is impacted by erosion, flood, severe weather, subsidence due to permafrost degradation and wildland fire. Kotlik’s location makes the village susceptible to bank erosion in areas where community development has taken place, including the south bank of the Kotlik River, the north bank of the Kotlik River on East Island, and on the peninsula (i.e. West Island) between the Kotlik and Little Kotlik Rivers. Erosion of the bank of the Kotlik River has been actively occurring each year since at least the early 1980s as evidenced funding provided by the State of Alaska and the US Army Corps of Engineers in the 1980s for an erosion control study, a coastal erosion study, a preliminary design and assessment and more the one million dollars in appropriations for erosion control.

For additional information on the village of Kotlik, please visit the Kotlik Risk MAP Study Page

Koyuk (Coming Soon)

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Koyuk

Kwigillingok environmental threat profile

In 2009, the USACE Alaska Baseline Erosion Assessment identified Kwigillingok as a XX Action Communitysummary. Kwigillingok was identified as RANK to flooding and highly vulnerable for all hazards (erosion, flood, permafrost degradation) in aggregate in the 2019 Alaska Statewide Threat Assessment.

McGrath experiences flood, erosion, severe weather, subsidence due to permafrost degradation, and wildland fire. Flooding causes the greatest threat to the community. McGrath’s location on the inside of an oxbow on the Kuskokwim River makes the village vulnerable to ice jams and stream overflow flooding from the Kuskokwim River. Flooding is a regular occurrence in McGrath; there has been significant flood events nearly every decade since the 1920s, with the most damaging event taking place in 1991 when 65 structures were inundated, and a State Disaster was declared with Preliminary Damage Assessments of more than $2 million for Individual Assistance and $7.4 million in total Public Assistance for damage to buildings and equipment. McGrath was included in Federally-Declared Disasters in 2002 (DR-1423), 2005 (AK-05-213), and 2009 (DR-1843). McGrath is also threatened by erosion, which is occurring all along the Kuskokwim riverbank. During spring break-up, the thawed riverbank is especially vulnerable to erosion. There are currently 21 residences; 17 various structures, such as sheds and workshops; 10 commercial buildings; and over 21 public structures and infrastructure within 100 feet of the eroding river bank.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for McGrath

Napakiak is subject to erosion, flooding, land subsidence due to permafrost degradation and severe weather. Erosion of the Kuskokwim River bank is Napakiak’s most imminent threat. Erosion been on-going since the 1960s and has been forecast by the US Army Corps of Engineers to be 25-50 feet per year. 2018 trip reports by the Natural Resources conservation Service and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium indicate that erosion rates had increased after spring break-up. The community has been actively pursuing the relocation of infrastructure, public buildings, residences and fish camps since the mid-1990s. Community members recently moved the threatened armory building.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Napakiak

The entire community of Napaskiak and the surrounding area is located within the floodplain of the Kuskokwim River. There is no high ground in the immediate vicinity. Flooding at Napaskiak results from river overflow due to spring ice jams along the Kuskokwim River. The US Army Corps of Engineers has described the entire area as a "very high flood hazard." According to studies, the morphology of the sloughs that run past Napaskiak suggest that erosion will increase as time progresses. The US Army Corps of Engineers Detailed Erosion Assessment noted that northeast of Napaskiak is a small slough that feeds into Tupuknuk Slough. From aerial and surface photography, it appears that the thalweg of the Kuskokwim River is beginning to run into this slough which could explain why the depth of the slough is increasing. The initial breach reportedly occurred in 2005 and the Kuskokwim River is moving between 10 and 15 feet a year towards this slough. The Kuskokwim River is approximately 60 feet deep at the bend where the breach occurs. As the thalweg of the Kuskokwim meanders, flow through this small slough will increase causing the channel to widen and deepen. Warming temperatures have led to thawing permafrost in the Kuskokwim area. Thawing permafrost can cause severe subsidence, which constrains development of resources, transportation and utility systems, and community expansion.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Napaskiak

Newtok is threatened by erosion, flooding, severe weather and subsidence due to permafrost degradation. Impacted by severe erosion since the 1980s, Newtok was advised that relocation would be more feasible than protecting-in-place over the long-term. The community made the decision to relocate in the early 1990s and in 2003, after a lengthy negotiation process, Newtok Native Corporation completed a land exchange with the federal government for land on the north side of Nelson Island known as Mertarvik. The community has actively pursued relocation to Mertarvik since 2006. In October 2019, approximately one-third of Newtok’s current population will move permanently to Mertarvik, a major milestone in the village relocation effort.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Newtok

For detailed information on the village of Newtok, please visit the Newtok Planning Group Website

Nightmute (Coming Soon)

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Nightmute

Nunam Iqua (Coming Soon)

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Nunam Iqua

Point Lay (Coming Soon)

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Point Lay

Quinhagak environmental threat profile

In 2009, the USACE Alaska Baseline Erosion Assessment identified Quinhagak as a XX Action Communitysummary. Quinhagak was identified as RANK to flooding and highly vulnerable for all hazards (erosion, flood, permafrost degradation) in aggregate in the 2019 Alaska Statewide Threat Assessment.

Scammon Bay (Coming Soon)

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Scammon Bay

Saint Michael experiences storm surge, thawing permafrost, later-forming coastal ice, and wind-driven storm surge-coastal erosion along the shoreline adjacent to Norton Sound and Saint Michael Bay and the use of the beaches and banks by ATVs and pedestrians along Saint Michael’s Bay. According to the Alaska Baseline Erosion Assessment, coastal erosion covers an area of approximately 1 to 2 miles long and 10 feet high at Saint Michael, with an erosion rate of approximately 3 feet per year. The north end of the airstrip is protected by riprap; however the remaining unprotected beach continues to erode. Saint Michael experiences coastal flooding from storm surges, especially during the fall storm season and when storm events occur during high tides. Saint Michael also experiences severe weather events. The primary threats are annual weather patterns, severe cold, heavy rain, freezing rain, snow accumulations, storm surge, and wind. During severe weather events, intense wind and severe cold are the main threats to the community. Severe weather events cause fuel price increases and frozen pipes, resulting in the loss of sewer service for many residents. High winds can remove or damage roofs and down power lines.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for St. Michael

Savoonga is threatened by erosion, flooding, subsidence due to permafrost degradation and severe weather. Coastal erosion threatens community infrastructure, facilities and buildings. Savoonga’s location on Saint Lawrence Island in the middle of the Bering Sea makes it especially vulnerable to serve weather. A reduction in the extent of Bering Sea ice has added to Savoonga’s vulnerability because the sea ice serves as a buffer against the effects of sea storms. Savoonga has Been impacted by a number of sever storm events. Most recently, a Presidentially-Declared Disaster was made in 2016, when sea storm bearing hurricane-force winds damaged approximately 30 homes and a number of public facilities in Savoonga. The community lost power and 90 residents had to shelter at the village school.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Savoonga

Shaktoolik experiences erosion, flooding and severe weather. The community’s location leaves it vulnerable to erosion when fall storms hit the sand and gravel spit where the village is located. There is no breakwater to protect the village from destructive waves from Norton Sound when storms come from the south. Considerable coastline erosion in the community occurred during recent storms in 2003, 2004, and 2005.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Shaktoolik

For detailed information on the village of Shaktoolik, please visit the following webpages:

• Shaktoolik Strategic Management Plan
• Shaktoolik Interagency Planning Group

Shishmaref is subject to erosion, flooding and severe weather. Shishmaref’s primary erosion hazards are wave and slough erosion, sea ice gouging, and slumping resulting from melting permafrost. Erosion has undermined buildings and infrastructure, causing several structures to collapse and fall into the sea. Over the years, the community has tried many different techniques to arrest the erosion, including gabions, sandbags, and articulated concrete mats. All these efforts have provided only temporary solutions. Because the shoreline continues to recede, the community has moved houses and other structures back from the edge but has less and less space to do so. According to the local hazard mitigation plan, “the effects of climate change are expected to add to natural hazards including flooding in coastal areas. As sea level rises and the offshore ice pack retreats, more coastal flooding can be expected.”

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Shishmaref

For detailed information on the village of Shishmaref, please visit the following webpages:

• Shishmaref Strategic Management Plan
• Shishmaref Interagency Planning Group

Stebbins environmental threat profile

In 2009, the USACE Alaska Baseline Erosion Assessment identified Stebbins as a XX Action Communitysummary. Stebbins was identified as RANK to flooding and highly vulnerable for all hazards (erosion, flood, permafrost degradation) in aggregate in the 2019 Alaska Statewide Threat Assessment.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Stebbins

Snowmelt and ice jam flooding in Tuluksak occurs during spring thaw and the fall rainy season. Events occur from soil saturation. Tuluksak has experienced severe damages from heavy rainfall, snowmelt, spring run-off, and ice jam flooding. Spring run-off causes the most damages. The airport, residential structures, fish camps and other community infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed by these events. According to the Tuluksak community, a sandbar in Kuskokwim River directs River water force directly towards the community’s embankment which causes consistent erosion and substantial embankment loss.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Tuluksak

Unalakleet is threatened by flooding, erosion, severe weather and wildland fire. The entire community of Unalakleet is at risk of flooding and the coastal area is at risk of storm surges and wave scouring. The community has been included in several State and Federally-Declared Disasters over the past two decades: 2003 Fall Sea Storm (AK-04-209) Declared January 29, 2004, 2004 Bering Strait Sea Storm declared October 28, 2004 by the State of Alaska then federally declared (DR-1571) on November 15, 2004, and 2005 West Coast Storm declared October 24, 2005 by the State of Alaska then federally declared (DR-1618) on December 9, 2005. The community s impacted by erosion on both the ocean side (Norton Sound) and from the Unalakleet River.

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Unalakleet

Utqiagvik

• Alaska Community Database Online Story Map for Utqiagvik