Alaska flood risk and NFIP guide

Short answer: Alaska is unusual: per the state's 2024 Alaska Mapping Business Plan, many incorporated cities and boroughs have no Flood Insurance Rate Maps, no floodplain ordinances, and so no eligibility for federal flood insurance. The Division of Community and Regional Affairs is the State Coordinating Agency for the NFIP and works with FEMA on Risk MAP studies covering flooding, erosion and permafrost thaw.

This guide is general information for Alaska property owners and renters about flood risk and the National Flood Insurance Program. It isn't a coverage determination. FEMA maps, your community's floodplain ordinance and your policy wording control.

First question: does your community participate?

The 2024 Alaska Mapping Business Plan, published by the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development's Division of Community and Regional Affairs (DCRA) with FEMA Region X, says that unlike many other states, Alaska has incorporated cities and boroughs with no Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Without maps there are no floodplain ordinances, and those communities are not eligible for federal flood insurance—even where they are highly flood-prone. Before you price NFIP coverage, confirm your city or borough participates.

Alaska's flood types

The plan's examples go beyond rain-driven rivers: ice-jam flooding on the Yukon at Galena, riverbank erosion on the Kuskokwim threatening homes, and—particularly in western and northern Alaska—erosion and permafrost degradation compounding flood risk. Some communities in Risk MAP studies have also flagged landslide and avalanche hazards. A standard flood map doesn't capture all of that, so ask local officials what other hazard studies exist for your area.

DCRA and Risk MAP

DCRA is the State of Alaska's designated State Coordinating Agency for the NFIP. Under FEMA's Risk MAP process described in the plan:

1. Discovery — the State prioritizes a watershed; communities opt in; FEMA and the State meet residents and tribes to mark up maps with local hazard knowledge.
2. Data collection — for NFIP communities needing new regulatory maps, LiDAR is collected and a regulatory flood study is run; non-regulatory risk assessments can be done either way.
3. Draft workmaps and review — FEMA shares interim maps for community review before preliminary FIRMs and the formal appeal period.

Communities can also seek Cooperating Technical Partner funding for hazards FEMA doesn't map directly, such as erosion or landslides.

Coverage

Where your community participates, standard Alaska homeowners policies generally exclude flood; check the FEMA Map Service Center and quote NFIP through FloodSmart. Most new policies wait 30 days, so buy well ahead of breakup season.

Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Alaska.

Frequently asked questions

Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.