Alaska Peninsula - Iliamna and Bristol Bay Lowlands Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Alaska Peninsula - Iliamna and Bristol Bay Lowlands Area, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands-Maritime Upland-Glaciated Plains, Ash Influenced | 1.3M | Very poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands-Boreal and Northwest Maritimel-Glaciated Plains, Ash Influenced | 1.2M | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands-Maritime Water, Fresh | 599K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Upland-Rounded Mountains | 549K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands-Maritime Upland-Glaciated Plains and Peatlands | 378K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands-Maritime Water, Saline | 295K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands-Maritime Lowlands-Coastal Plains, Low | 213K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Water, Saline | 208K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Upland-Glaciated Plains and Hills | 198K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Alpine-Barren Mountains | 96K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands-Maritime Upland-Glaciated Plains and Hills | 92K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cook Inlet Lowlands-Boreal Water, Saline | 85K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands-Maritime Upland and Lowland-Glaciated Valleys | 83K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cook Inlet Mountains-Boreal Upland and Subalpine-Mountains | 65K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cook Inlet Mountains-Boreal Alpine-Mountains | 45K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands-Maritime Upland-Glaciated Rounded Mountains | 36K | Well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Upland-Volcanic Mountains and Lowland-Flood Plains and Stream Terraces | 35K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Subalpine and Alpine-Rounded Mountains, Ash Influenced | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Upland and Subalpine-Glaciated Plains and Hills, Ash Influenced | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Lowland-Coastal Plains | 16K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 56% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 80% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.