Alaska is by far the most seismically active US state, sitting on the Aleutian subduction zone where great M8-9 earthquakes occur. Great earthquakes on the Alaska–Aleutian megathrust recur roughly every 500–900 years. The last was the 1964 Great Alaska earthquake (M9.2), 62 years ago. The second-largest earthquake ever recorded. This page pulls real records for Alaska: the largest earthquakes on record from USGS, how often the ground shakes nearby, tsunamis from the NOAA database, and volcanoes from the Smithsonian program. Nothing is guessed.
A quiet recent record is good news, but many damaging earthquakes strike places that were quiet for decades. The only real protection is a warning the moment the ground moves - which is exactly what the free QuakeMate app gives you, along with tsunami and volcano alerts for Alaska.
Check Alaska hazard risk in detail
An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk in Alaska - or search any city or region.
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Earthquake risk in Alaska - FAQ
Is Alaska at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. On average about 48 quakes a year nearby of magnitude 4+ within 666 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data. The strongest earthquake on record nearby is M9.2 in 1964.
What was the biggest earthquake in Alaska?
The strongest earthquake on record near Alaska is M9.2, in 1964 (The 1964 Prince William Sound, Alaska Earthquake), from USGS.
Does Alaska get tsunamis?
Yes - 12 tsunamis since 1540 (most recently 2024) within 666 km, from the NOAA database. The deadliest killed around 139 people.
How do I get earthquake warnings in Alaska?
Download the free QuakeMate app for iPhone. It watches your location and sends a real-time push the instant a quake strikes nearby, plus tsunami and volcano alerts, with custom magnitude and distance rules. On Android, join the waitlist.