Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - Beaufort Coastal Plain Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK747• Alaska

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Gelisols — permafrost soils found in very cold climates. 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 Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - Beaufort Coastal Plain 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
Arctic Coastal Plain-Arctic Lowland-Alluvial Plains	574K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Arctic Foothills-Arctic Upland-Loess Plains and Hills	425K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Arctic Coastal Plain-Water, Saline	218K			Not limited	Not limited
Arctic Foothills-Arctic Upland-Glaciated Hills and Plains	106K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Arctic Coastal Plain-Arctic Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	90K			Very limited	Very limited
Arctic Coastal Plain-Arctic Lowland-Barren Beaches, Bays and Lakes	60K			Not limited	Not limited
Arctic Coastal Plain-Arctic Lowland-Coastal Plains, Low	51K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Arctic Foothills-Arctic Upland-Hills and Plains	32K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Arctic Foothills-Arctic Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	22K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Arctic Coastal Plain-Arctic Lowland-Coastal Plains, High	8K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Northern Brooks Range Mountains-Arctic Upland-Rugged Mountains, Calcareous	2K	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.

Gelisols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 82% 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 82% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.