Cantwell Area, 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 Cantwell Area, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reindeerhills-Brushkana-Pendleton complex, 15 to 90 percent slopes | 108K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Summitlake-Nicklie-Mire complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 27K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cantwell-Brushkana-Foggypass complex, 3 to 18 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cantwell-Mire-Drashner complex, moist, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Stickwan-Goldenorth-Sedgeway complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pendleton-Foggypass complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fellows-Goldenorth complex, 0 to 18 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brushkana-Reindeerhills complex, 0 to 18 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hijack-Lojack complex, moist, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Deneki-Brushkana-Foggypass complex, 3 to 18 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cantwell-Drashner complex, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Reindeerhills-Brushkana complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cantwell-Sedgeway-Nicklie complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Siksik-Foggypass-Brushkana complex, 3 to 18 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mire-Sedgeway-Broadpass complex, moist, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reindeerhills-Escarpments complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deneki-Mushers complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cantwell-Mire complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lojack-Hijack complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 79% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 98% 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.