Earthquakes in Anchorage
Anchorage is one of the most earthquake-prone major cities in the world. Alaska experiences more earthquakes than the other 49 US states combined, and Anchorage has felt thousands of earthquakes including the devastating 2018 M7.1 that struck directly beneath the city.
Why Does Anchorage Face Earthquake Risk?
Anchorage sits above the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone where the Pacific Plate dives beneath North America. The zone produced the M9.2 1964 Good Friday earthquake, the largest in North American history. Multiple local fault systems also cross the Anchorage area, capable of producing M7+ earthquakes directly beneath the city.
Active Fault Systems
- Castle Mountain Fault
- Alaska-Aleutian Subduction Zone
- Knik Arm Fault
Safety Advice
Alaska has a statewide earthquake early warning network. The 2018 earthquake demonstrated that modern building codes work well in Anchorage — most new buildings survived with minimal damage. Older unreinforced masonry structures remain at risk.
Historical Earthquake Context
The March 27, 1964 Prince William Sound earthquake (M9.2) killed 131 people, largely from the tsunami it generated. Massive landslides in Anchorage demolished entire neighborhoods. The November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake (M7.1) caused $100 million in damage to roads, buildings, and infrastructure.
Fault Maps & Tectonic Setting
Tectonic and seismic hazard maps from Wikimedia Commons, USGS, and NASA — open licenses (CC / Public Domain)
Maps sourced from Wikimedia Commons, USGS, and NASA under open licenses. Attribution required where specified. Click any map to enlarge.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How dangerous is Anchorage for earthquakes?
Anchorage is one of the most seismically active major cities in the world. Alaska experiences 11% of all earthquakes on Earth and more M7+ earthquakes than any US state. Anchorage experiences a damaging earthquake roughly every 10-20 years on average.
What was the 2018 Anchorage earthquake?
On November 30, 2018, a M7.1 earthquake struck just north of Anchorage at 8:29 AM, causing massive road damage, cracked buildings, and cutting power to thousands. Despite the severe ground motion, no fatalities occurred, demonstrating the effectiveness of Alaska's earthquake-resistant building standards.
How seismically active is Anchorage?
Anchorage experiences hundreds of felt earthquakes per year. Alaska accounts for 11% of all earthquakes on Earth, and Anchorage sits near multiple active fault systems including the Castle Mountain Fault. A major M7-8 event occurs somewhere in Alaska roughly every 1-2 years.
Is Anchorage at risk from a tsunami?
Anchorage itself has limited direct tsunami risk due to its inland location in upper Cook Inlet. However, submarine landslides triggered by a major earthquake could generate local tsunamis in Turnagain Arm. Coastal Alaskan communities outside Anchorage face much more direct Pacific tsunami hazard.
Where can I see live earthquake data for Anchorage?
Track earthquakes near Anchorage on the Earthquake Globe app or at earthquakes.site/map?country=alaska. The Alaska Earthquake Center at earthquakes.alaska.edu provides real-time data and ShakeMap products. ShakeAlert now covers south-central Alaska for advance warning alerts.
Explore More
Get Earthquake Alerts for Anchorage
Earthquake Globe sends real-time push notifications filtered by magnitude and location. Free on the App Store.
iOS 16+ · iPhone & iPad · No subscription required