Alaska Range - Parts Of Mentasta Mountains Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK791• Alaska

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Range - Parts Of Mentasta Mountains 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
Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Upland and Lowland-Mountain Valleys	37K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Alpine-Barren Mountains	14K			Very limited	Very limited
Haggardcreek-Alterationcreek complex, 0 to 40 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Cirquecreek-Rockoutcrop complex, 0 to 80 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rime-Slimecreek-Soderna complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	2K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Glaciated Plains and Hills	2K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hungryhollow-Aello complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	2K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Mahloriver-Tok association, 1 to 40 percent slopes	827	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Bonecreek-Slimecreek-Ironcreek complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	583	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very 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.

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.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 100% 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.