Brooks Foothills - Toolik River Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK764• Alaska

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat 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 Brooks Foothills - Toolik 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
Arctic Foothills-Arctic Upland-Hills and Plains	1.4M	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Arctic Foothills-Arctic Upland-Glaciated Hills and Plains	602K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Arctic Foothills-Arctic Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	55K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Northern Brooks Range Mountains-Arctic Upland-Rounded Mountains	24K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Northern Brooks Range Mountains-Arctic Upland-Rugged Mountains, Calcareous	14K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Arctic Foothills-Arctic Upland-Loess Plains and Hills	11K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Northern Brooks Range Mountains-Arctic Upland and Lowland-Glaciated Valleys	1K	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.

Mollisols

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

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 100% 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 100% 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.