Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - Davidson Mountains and Coleen River Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK749• 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 - Davidson Mountains and Coleen 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
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

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.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Mollisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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.