Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula, North and Bordering Areas, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula, North and Bordering Areas, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Maritime Eolian Plains with Common Permafrost, Very Wet | 583K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Subalpine and Boreal Low Mountains | 447K | Well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Alpine and Subalpine Low Mountains | 419K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Western Maritime Mountains | 392K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ahklun Mountains-High Elevation and Western Maritime Mountains | 365K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Okstukuk-Typic Haplocryods complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 353K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Okstukuk-Mosquitopoint-Typic Haplocryods association, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 331K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Western Maritime Eolian Hills and Plains | 292K | Very poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Western Maritime Glaciated Plains and Flood Plains, Wet | 259K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Alpine Mountains | 248K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Western Maritime Glaciated Hills and Plains | 248K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Western Maritime Eolian Plains and Flood Plains with Common Permafrost, Wet | 221K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Low Mountains and Plains | 207K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Alpine and Subalpine Mountains | 194K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Western Maritime Organic and Glaciated Plains | 194K | Well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Western Maritime Eolian Plains, Very Wet | 190K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Plains, Wet | 174K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Okstukuk silt loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 172K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Open Water | 147K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Western Maritime Glaciated Plains | 145K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 58% 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 77% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.