Alaska Peninsula - Port Heiden and Port Moller Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK716• Alaska

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 - Port Heiden and Port Moller Area, Alaska. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Upland-Volcanic Mountains and Lowland-Flood Plains and Stream Terraces	735K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Upland-Glaciated Plains and Hills, Wet	314K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Upland-Rounded Mountains	228K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Lowland-Coastal Plains	218K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Upland-Glaciated Plains and Hills	206K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Alpine-Barren Mountains	49K			Very limited	Very limited
Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Upland-Mountains	44K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Water, Fresh	8K			Not rated	Not rated
Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands-Maritime Lowlands-Coastal Plains, Low	2K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands-Maritime Upland-Glaciated Plains, Ash Influenced	1K	Very poorly drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands-Maritime Upland-Glaciated Plains and Peatlands	1K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Water, Saline	0			Not rated	Not rated
Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands-Maritime Water, Saline	0			Not limited	Not limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Andisols

Volcanic ash soils — light, porous, and fertile. Excellent drainage, but low density can complicate foundations.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Gelisols

Permafrost soils. Extremely challenging for construction and septic. Found almost exclusively in Alaska.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 58% 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 99% 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.