Beaufort Coastal Plain - Deadhorse Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK762• Alaska

The dominant drainage class is Very 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 Beaufort Coastal Plain - Deadhorse 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-Coastal Plains, High	1.4M	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Arctic Coastal Plain-Water, Saline	572K			Not limited	Not limited
Arctic Coastal Plain-Arctic Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	344K			Very limited	Very limited
Arctic Coastal Plain-Arctic Lowland-Alluvial Plains	110K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Arctic Foothills-Arctic Upland-Loess Plains and Hills	105K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Arctic Coastal Plain-Arctic Lowland-Coastal Plains, Low	98K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Arctic Coastal Plain-Arctic Lowland-Barren Beaches, Bays and Lakes	43K			Not limited	Not limited
Arctic Foothills-Arctic Upland-Glaciated Hills and Plains	17K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Arctic Foothills-Arctic Upland-Hills and Plains	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Arctic Foothills-Arctic Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	8K	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.

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 77% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 77% 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.