Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - Davidson Mountains and Coleen River Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 - Davidson Mountains and Coleen River Area, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon Flats-Boreal Upland-Plains and Hills | 2.1M | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland-Hills and Plains | 1.7M | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon Flats-Boreal Upland-Hills and Plains | 594K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland and Alpine-Plains and Hills | 504K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland and Subalpine-Rounded Mountains | 389K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland-Rounded Mountains and Hills, Calcareous | 287K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Yukon Flats-Boreal Lowland-High Flood Plains and Terraces | 244K | Well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland and Alpine-Rugged Mountains | 213K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Alpine and Upland-Rounded Mountains, Calcareous | 153K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Alpine and Upland-Rugged Mountains, Acid | 132K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon Flats-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces | 81K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Brooks Range Mountains-Boreal Alpine and Subalpine-Rugged Mountains, Calcareous | 75K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces | 68K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland and Alpine-Rounded Mountains, Acid | 67K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon Flats-Boreal Lowland-High Flood Plains, Terraces and Peatlands | 51K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland and Lowland-Mountain Valleys | 39K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon Flats-Boreal Lowland-Alluvial Plains | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Brooks Range Mountains-Boreal Upland and Lowland-Glaciated Valleys | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland-Rounded Mountains, Acid | 13K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon Flats-Boreal Upland-Hills and Plains, Acid | 878 | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 89% 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 95% 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.