Annual Deaths in the Alaska Wilderness

On average, 15–20 people die each year in Alaska's wilderness.

Primary Causes

• Extreme weather: Hypothermia, avalanches, whiteouts
• Rugged terrain: Falls, crevasses, river crossings
• Inadequate preparation: Poor planning, insufficient gear, overestimation of ability
• Wildlife encounters: Bear (brown/black), moose attacks
• Transportation accidents: Bush plane crashes, boat capsizes, snowmachine incidents

Context

Alaska's vastness (663,000 sq mi), low population density, and harsh conditions amplify risks. Most victims are non-residents or inexperienced backcountry users. The Alaska Department of Public Safety and volunteer SAR groups respond to hundreds of incidents annually.