Editing Allakaket, Alaska

{{short description|City in Alaska, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name            = Allakaket
|native_name              = Aalaa Kkaakk’et
|settlement_type          = [[City (Alaska)|City]]
|nickname                 = 
|motto                    = 
<!-- Images -->
|image_skyline            = Allakaket, Alaska.jpg
|imagesize                = 
|image_caption            = Aerial view of Allakaket
|image_flag               = 
|image_seal               = 
<!-- Maps -->
|pushpin_map  = Alaska
|pushpin_map_caption  = Location in Alaska
<!-- Location -->
|subdivision_type         = Country
|subdivision_name         = United States
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Alaska]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of boroughs and census areas in Alaska|Census Area]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska|Yukon-Koyukuk]]
|government_footnotes     = 
|government_type          = 
|leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name              = Valerie Bergman<ref>{{Cite book|title=2023 Alaska Municipal Officials Directory|date=January 2023|publisher=Alaska Municipal League|location=[[Juneau, Alaska|Juneau]]|page=40|url=https://www.akml.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Allakaket.pdf|access-date=November 12, 2023}}</ref>
|leader_title1            = [[Alaska Senate|State senator]]
|leader_name1             = [[Click Bishop]] ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]])
|leader_title2            = [[Alaska House of Representatives|State rep.]]
|leader_name2             = [[Mike Cronk]] (R)
|established_title        = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date         = 1975<ref>{{cite book|title=1996 Alaska Municipal Officials Directory|location=[[Juneau]]|publisher=Alaska Municipal League/[[Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development|Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs]]|date=January 1996|page=22}}</ref>

<!-- Area -->
|area_magnitude           = 
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_02.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=October 29, 2021}}</ref>
|area_total_km2           = 44.12
|area_land_km2            = 38.12
|area_water_km2           = 6.00
|area_total_sq_mi         = 17.03
|area_land_sq_mi          = 14.72
|area_water_sq_mi         = 2.32

<!-- Population -->
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_footnotes     = {{citation needed|date=May 2023}}
|population_total         = 177
|timezone                 = [[Alaska Time Zone|Alaska (AKST)]]
|utc_offset               = -9
|timezone_DST             = AKDT
|utc_offset_DST           = -8
|elevation_footnotes      = 
|elevation_m              = 122
|elevation_ft             = 400
|coordinates              = {{coord|66|33|48|N|152|38|50|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP code]]
|postal_code              = 99720
|area_code                = [[Area code 907|907]]
|area_code_type           = [[North American Numbering Plan|Area code]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 02-01860
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = {{GNIS 4|1398129}}
|website                  = {{URL|https://www.akml.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/NEW-2020MOD-For-Website-35.pdf|AK Municipal League listing}}
|footnotes                = 
|pop_est_as_of            = 
|pop_est_footnotes        = 
|population_est           = 
|population_density_sq_mi = 12.03
|unit_pref                = Imperial
|population_density_km2   = 4.64
}}

'''Allakaket''' ({{IPAc-en|æ|l|ə|ˈ|k|æ|k|ɪ|t}} {{respell|al|ə|KAK|it}}) (''Aalaa Kkaakk’et'' in [[Koyukon language|Koyukon]]) is a second class city in the [[Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska|Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area]] of the [[Unorganized Borough, Alaska|Unorganized Borough]] of the U.S. state of [[Alaska]]. The population was [https://data.census.gov/profile/Allakaket_ANVSA,_AK?g=2500000US6070 177] at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]].<ref name="census2010">{{cite web|title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/00_SF1/DP1/1600000US0201860|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212094622/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/00_SF1/DP1/1600000US0201860|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 12, 2020|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]], American FactFinder|access-date=November 14, 2012}}</ref>

==History and culture==
[[File:Allakaket village.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Allakaket village, as seen in 2013]]
Several Native groups have lived in the area, including Koyukon [[Athabaskan languages|Athabascan]]s and Kobuk, Selawik, and Nunamiut Eskimos from the north and northwest. The Koyukon lived in several camps throughout the year, moving as the seasons changed, following the wild game and fish. The various bands established joint settlements after 1851. The old site of Alatna was a traditional trading center for Athabascans and Eskimos.

The first mission on the Koyukuk River, St. John's-in-the-Wilderness Episcopal Mission, was established in 1906. A post office was opened in 1925. In 1938, the name of the community was changed to Allakaket (the old name for the mission), and the name Alatna was assumed by the small Eskimo community across the river. The first public school was established in 1957. A flood caused by ice jamming inundated 85% of the community in the Spring of 1964. In 1975, the community incorporated as a City, including both settlements of Allakaket and Alatna. A clinic and airport were built in 1978. A new school and community roads were built in 1979. In September 1994, flood waters destroyed and swept away nearly all of the community's buildings, homes, and food caches for the winter. Residents rebuilt near the old City site, but some new homes and facilities are now located outside of the incorporated City boundaries. New Allakaket and Alatna are located outside of the City limits.

A federally recognized tribe is located in the community—the Allakaket Village. The population of the community consists of 95.9% Alaska Native or part Native. Allakaket is mainly an Athabascan community; Kobuk Eskimos live across the river in Alatna. Two separate village councils exist. Traditional potlatches, dances and foot races attract visitors from area villages. Subsistence activities provide the majority of food sources. The sale, importation and possession of [[alcoholic beverage|alcohol]] are banned in the village.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/Portals/9/pub/ABC/DryDampCommunities/Local%20Option%20Communities%20-%20Rev%202.25.22.pdf |title=Schedule of Local Option Communities |publisher=Alcoholic Beverage Control Board |accessdate=May 3, 2023}}</ref>

==Geography==
Allakaket is located at {{Coord|66|33|48|N|152|38|50|W|type:city}} (66.562610, -152.64756)<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> (Sec. 14, T020N, R024W, Fairbanks Meridian.) Allakaket is located in the Fairbanks Recording District.

Allakaket is on the south bank of the [[Koyukuk River]], southwest of its junction with the [[Alatna River]], approximately {{convert|190|mi|km}} northwest of [[Fairbanks, Alaska|Fairbanks]] and {{convert|57|mi|km}} upriver from [[Hughes, Alaska|Hughes]]. The village of Alatna is located directly across the river.

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|4.3|sqmi|km2}}, of which, {{convert|3.6|sqmi|km2}} of it is land and {{convert|0.7|sqmi|km2}} of it (17.05%) is water.

===Climate===
Allakaket has a [[subarctic climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''Dfc'') characterized by frigid, snowy winters and mild summers. The average high temperature during July is {{convert|70|°F|°C|1|disp=or}}. Temperatures in January fall to or below {{convert|0|F|C|1|disp=or}} on all but four mornings, and during December and February on all but six per month, whilst extended periods below {{convert|-40|°F|°C|disp=or}} are common: the coldest month on record of January 1971 averaged {{convert|-44.9|F|C|1}}. Being further from the Alaska Range than Fairbanks, Allakaket is less influenced by warming [[chinook winds]], so that temperatures have topped freezing in January only six times on record, and in December only ten times of record.

The highest temperature ever recorded was {{convert|94|°F|°C|1}} and the lowest was {{convert|-75|°F|°C|1}}. Average [[precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]] is {{convert|12.41|in|mm|1|disp=or}} and annual snowfall is {{convert|61.3|in|m|2|disp=or}}. The Koyukuk River is ice-free from June through October.

{{Weather box
|location = Allakaket (1961–1990 normals, extremes 1907–1982)
|single line = Y
|Jan record high F = 49
|Feb record high F = 45
|Mar record high F = 45
|Apr record high F = 65
|May record high F = 83
|Jun record high F = 92
|Jul record high F = 94
|Aug record high F = 88
|Sep record high F = 82
|Oct record high F = 55
|Nov record high F = 43
|Dec record high F = 39
|year record high F = 94
|Jan avg record high F = 22.7
|Feb avg record high F = 23.2
|Mar avg record high F = 34.6
|Apr avg record high F = 48.3
|May avg record high F = 69.7
|Jun avg record high F = 79.8
|Jul avg record high F = 83.8
|Aug avg record high F = 79.1
|Sep avg record high F = 63.6
|Oct avg record high F = 43.8
|Nov avg record high F = 29.9
|Dec avg record high F = 25.8
|year avg record high F = 85.2
|Jan high F = -10.9
|Feb high F = -3.9
|Mar high F = 13.5
|Apr high F = 33.0
|May high F = 53.0
|Jun high F = 67.2
|Jul high F = 70.3
|Aug high F = 65.0
|Sep high F = 50.2
|Oct high F = 27.3
|Nov high F = 4.5
|Dec high F = -6.4
|year high F = 30.3
|Jan mean F = -21.2
|Feb mean F = -18.3
|Mar mean F = -4.0
|Apr mean F = 18.1
|May mean F = 41.8
|Jun mean F = 55.1
|Jul mean F = 58.0
|Aug mean F = 52.0
|Sep mean F = 38.4
|Oct mean F = 18.0
|Nov mean F = -6.6
|Dec mean F = -17.1
|year mean F = 17.9
|Jan low F = -31.0
|Feb low F = -30.6
|Mar low F = -20.2
|Apr low F = 3.5
|May low F = 28.8
|Jun low F = 42.0
|Jul low F = 44.6
|Aug low F = 38.3
|Sep low F = 26.7
|Oct low F = 8.1
|Nov low F = -16.7
|Dec low F = -29.2
|year low F = 5.4
|Jan avg record low F = -58.2
|Feb avg record low F = -59.5
|Mar avg record low F = -48.4
|Apr avg record low F = -24.0
|May avg record low F = 12.9
|Jun avg record low F = 29.8
|Jul avg record low F = 32.7
|Aug avg record low F = 24.8
|Sep avg record low F = 12.5
|Oct avg record low F = -17.7
|Nov avg record low F = -44.8
|Dec avg record low F = -56.1
|year avg record low F = -61.6
|Jan record low F = -75
|Feb record low F = -70
|Mar record low F = -68
|Apr record low F = -45
|May record low F = -17
|Jun record low F = 17
|Jul record low F = 21
|Aug record low F = 17
|Sep record low F = -4
|Oct record low F = -41
|Nov record low F = -61
|Dec record low F = -69
|year record low F = -75
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 0.92
|Feb precipitation inch = 0.60
|Mar precipitation inch = 0.40
|Apr precipitation inch = 0.44
|May precipitation inch = 0.55
|Jun precipitation inch = 1.14
|Jul precipitation inch = 1.77
|Aug precipitation inch = 2.02
|Sep precipitation inch = 1.24
|Oct precipitation inch = 1.40
|Nov precipitation inch = 1.19
|Dec precipitation inch = 0.84
|year precipitation inch = 12.50
|Jan precipitation days = 3.8
|Feb precipitation days = 4.5
|Mar precipitation days = 3.9
|Apr precipitation days = 6.0
|May precipitation days = 5.8
|Jun precipitation days = 8.9
|Jul precipitation days = 10.3
|Aug precipitation days = 12.3
|Sep precipitation days = 9.1
|Oct precipitation days = 8.8
|Nov precipitation days = 5.6
|Dec precipitation days = 6.4
|year precipitation days = 85.4
|Jan snow inch = 11.6
|Feb snow inch = 5.3
|Mar snow inch = 7.4
|Apr snow inch = 5.5
|May snow inch = 0.3
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 1.6
|Oct snow inch = 10.4
|Nov snow inch = 7.5
|Dec snow inch = 3.7
|year snow inch = 53.3
|unit snow days = 0.01 inch
|Jan snow days = 4.4
|Feb snow days = 2.7
|Mar snow days = 2.4
|Apr snow days = 4.3
|May snow days = 0.3
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.4
|Oct snow days = 5.4
|Nov snow days = 3.5
|Dec snow days = 1.8
|year snow days = 25.2
|source 1 = [[Western Regional Climate Center|WRCC]]<ref>{{cite web
|url = https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliNORMtM.pl?ak0230
|title = 1961-1990 Monthly Climate Summary, ALLAKAKET, AK (500230) 
|access-date = January 27, 2024
|publisher = [[Western Regional Climate Center]]
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240127091729/https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliNORMtM.pl?ak0230
|archive-date = January 27, 2024}}</ref>
|source 2 = XMACIS (snowfall)<ref>[https://xmacis.rcc-acis.org/ XMACIS]</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|align=left
|1920= 85
|1940= 105
|1950= 79
|1960= 115
|1980= 163
|1990= 170
|2000= 97
|2010= 105
|2010n=<ref name="census2010"/>
|2020= 177
|2020n={{citation needed|date=May 2023}}
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=May 2023|reason=No mention of Allakaket at the given link}}
}}
Allakaket first appeared on the 1920 U.S. Census as an unincorporated native village.<ref>{{cite web |title=Population of Counties by Minor Civil Divisions: 1920, 1910, and 1900 |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/41084484v1ch5.pdf |website=United States Census Bureau |date=1920}}</ref> In 1930, it and neighboring [[Alatna, Alaska|Alatna]] (1/2 mile west across the Yukon River) were combined (under Alatna's name) for a total of 131 (given Alatna's population was between 28 and 32 persons from 1920 to 1950, it can be estimated that Allakaket's population was about 100 for that census).<ref>{{cite web |title=Population - Alaska |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/00476569ch2.pdf |website=United States Census Bureau |date=1930}}</ref> Allakaket formally incorporated in 1975, including the village of Alatna across the river. Following flooding in 1994, the residents of the Alatna portion on the western side of the Yukon River relocated to higher ground to the west, just outside of city boundaries. As a result, in 2000, Alatna was declared a new census-designated place (CDP), separate from the city of Allakaket.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2000/phc-1-3.pdf |title=2000 Census of Population and Housing - Alaska |access-date=October 14, 2019 |archive-date=March 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318011024/https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2000/phc-1-3.pdf |author=U.S. Census Bureau |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{{update section|date=May 2023|reason=Newer information is available from the 2010 and 2020 census reports}}
As of the census<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> of 2000, there were 97 people, 41 households, and 18 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|27.0|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 59 housing units at an average density of {{convert|16.4|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the city was 4.12% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], and 95.88% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]].

There were 41 households, out of which 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 31.7% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 53.7% were non-families. 53.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 3.68.

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 23.7% under the age of 18, 19.6% from 18 to 24, 22.7% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 8.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 142.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 155.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $16,563, and the median income for a family was $33,125. Males had a median income of $13,750 versus $35,417 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $10,912. There were 11.8% of families and 12.9% of the population living below the [[poverty line]], including 12.5% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

==Public services==
Most public facilities were severely damaged in the 1994 Koyukuk River flood. Major components have been replaced—a new washeteria, well and treatment plant, {{convert|100000|usgal|L}} water storage tank, sewage lagoon, and force main have recently been completed. The lagoon is connected to the washeteria and school. Residents carry treated water and haul honeybuckets or use pit privies; no households have plumbing. Infrastructure improvements to provide a flush/haul system are continuing. A new landfill and access road are also under construction. Electricity is provided by Alaska Power Company. There is one school located in the community, attended by 52 students. Local hospitals or health clinics include Allakaket Health Clinic (907-968-2248). Allakaket Health Clinic is a Primary Health Care facility. Allakaket is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 1C in the Interior Region. Emergency Services have river and air access. Emergency service is provided by a health aide.{{citation needed|date=June 2016}}

The [[Yukon–Koyukuk School District]] operates the Allakaket School.<ref>"[http://www.yksd.com/domain/30 Allakaket School, Allakaket]." [[Yukon–Koyukuk School District]]. Retrieved on June 16, 2016.</ref>

==Economy and transportation==
Most cash jobs are part-time or seasonal. The primary year-round employers are the school, City, Tribe and village corporation store. Construction and [[Bureau of Land Management|BLM]] emergency firefighting provide summer jobs. A few earn income from trapping or selling traditional Native handicrafts. Subsistence is the focus of the local economy. Salmon, whitefish, moose, bear, small game and berries provide most food sources. Caribou are taken when available.

Allakaket has no road link, but winter trails connect it with Hughes, Bettles and Tanana. River transportation is important in summer, but there is no commercial barge access due to shallow water. The state-owned [[Allakaket Airport]] has a {{convert|4000|by|100|ft|abbr=on}} gravel runway and is accessible year-round. A $6 million airport improvement began construction in 1997. [[Arctic Circle Air Service]], [[Servant Air]], [[Warbelow's Air Ventures]], and [[Wright Air Service]] offer passenger flight service.

Allakaket does not impose taxes on real estate, or from other sources.

== Notable people ==
* [[Jay Ramras]] (born 1964), businessman, politician
* [[Steven "Tig" Strassburg]] (born 1986), "First Alaskans" - National Geographic

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Alaska}}
* [https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/dcra/DCRAExternal/community/Details/3dab0bf2-69d6-4a39-845b-722247ac6070 Allakaket] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225190139/https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/dcra/DCRAExternal/community/Details/3dab0bf2-69d6-4a39-845b-722247ac6070 |date=December 25, 2016 }} at the Community Database Online from the [[Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development|Alaska Division of Community and Regional Affairs]]
* Maps from the [[Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development]]: [https://web.archive.org/web/20160304201509/http://labor.alaska.gov/research/alari/images/maps/3_29_11map.pdf 2000], [https://web.archive.org/web/20151222121631/http://labor.alaska.gov/research/census/placemaps/01860.pdf 2010]

{{Yukon–Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:1975 establishments in Alaska]]
[[Category:Cities in Alaska]]
[[Category:Cities in Unorganized Borough, Alaska]]
[[Category:Cities in Yukon–Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska]]
[[Category:Populated places of the Arctic United States]]
[[Category:Road-inaccessible communities of Alaska]]