Cape Krusenstern National Monument and Bordering Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK755• Alaska

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Cape Krusenstern National Monument and Bordering 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
Western Brooks Range Mountains, Foothills, and Valleys-Boreal Alpine and Upland-Plains and Hills, Calcareous	280K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Western Brooks Range Mountains, Foothills, and Valleys-Boreal Alpine-Glaciated Valleys	99K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Arctic Lowland-Coastal Plains	97K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Water, Saline	72K			Very limited	Very limited
Western Brooks Range Mountains, Foothills, and Valleys-Boreal Alpine-Rolling Mountains, Calcareous	68K			Very limited	Very limited
Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Arctic Lowland-Coastal Plains, Low	15K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Water, Fresh	12K			Not limited	Not limited
Western Brooks Range Mountains, Foothills, and Valleys-Boreal Alpine-Rounded Mountains	812			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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

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

Mollisols

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

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 98% 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 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.