Alaska Range - Revelation Mountains and Stink River Area, Alaska
The most common soil here is E28-boreal forest-ashy till slopes, on about 22% of the land. E28-boreal forest-ashy wet till slopes and E28-boreal alpine dwarf scrub-gravelly colluvial slopes come next.
About 85% of the land drains well; 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 52% 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 39% 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 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 - Revelation Mountains and Stink River 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 Subalpine-Glaciated Plains and Hills, Ash Influenced | 836K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Subalpine and Alpine-Rounded Mountains, Ash Influenced | 270K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Alpine-Barren Mountains | 173K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Subalpine and Alpine-Rugged Mountains | 105K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Upland and Subalpine-Mountain Valleys, Ash Influenced | 93K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Alpine-Rugged Mountains | 68K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Alpine-Glaciated Plains and Hills | 60K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Alpine-Mountain Valleys | 44K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Alpine-Mountain Valleys, Ash Influenced | 35K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains, Terraces, and Fans | 28K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Water, Fresh | 9K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces, High Elevation | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Alpine and Subalpine-Rounded Mountains | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Glaciated Plains and Hills | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Peatlands and Alluvial Plains | 2K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland-Rounded Mountains | 619 | Well drained | B | 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 52% 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.