Bering Land Bridge National Preserve and Shishmarev Area, Alaska
The most common soil here is E41-arctic tussock-scrub-silty frozen slopes, on about 13% of the land. E42-arctic tussock-scrub-silty frozen slopes and E42-Arctic tussock-silty frozen low-center polygons come next.
About 0% of the land drains well, and 76% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 80% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 96% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 20% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 6% of it.
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 Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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 Bering Land Bridge National Preserve and Shishmarev 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Arctic Uplands-Plains, Silty | 631K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Upland-Loess Plains | 616K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Water, Saline | 452K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Arctic Lowland-Coastal Plains | 437K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Upland-Hills and Plains, Gravelly | 247K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Arctic Lowland-Coastal Plains, Low | 117K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Upland-Rounded Mountains, Acid | 113K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Upland-Barren Lava Flows | 91K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Maritime Upland-Rounded Mountains, Acid | 54K | Very poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Arctic Lowlands-Flood Plains and Terraces | 52K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Maritime Upland-Plains and Hills, Silty | 27K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces | 22K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Upland-Rounded Mountains, Calcareous | 21K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Seward Peninsula Highlands-Water, Fresh | 17K | Not limited | Not 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 96% 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 96% 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.