Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - Beaufort Coastal Plain Area, Alaska
The most common soil here is E46-Arctic sedge-scrub-loamy frozen terraces, on about 20% of the land. E45-Arctic tussock-scrub-silty frozen slopes and E46-Arctic sedge-herbaceous-loamy frozen flood plains come next.
About under 1% of the land drains well, and 77% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 82% of it.
USDA rates 83% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 83% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 83% 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 83% 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.