Alaska Range - Parts Of Mentasta Mountains Area, Alaska
The most common soil here is E28-boreal forest-gravelly colluvial slopes, on about 17% of the land. E28-boreal forest-gravelly wet colluvial slopes and E28-boreal taiga-loamy eolian frozen slopes come next.
About 70% of the land drains well, and 8% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 65% of it.
USDA rates all of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and all very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 34% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Alaska Range - Parts Of Mentasta Mountains Area, Alaska, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
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.