Chugach National Forest - Prince William Sound Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). 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 Chugach National Forest - Prince William Sound Area, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Upland and Subalpine-Rounded Mountains | 952K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southern Alaska Coastal Mountains-Maritime Alpine-Barren Mountains | 741K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Lowland-Coastal Plains, Deltas and Mud Flats | 408K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southern Alaska Coastal Mountains-Maritime Subalpine and Alpine-Mountains | 363K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Subalpine and Alpine-Rounded Mountains | 282K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Upland-Glaciated Plains and Peatlands | 159K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southern Alaska Coastal Mountains-Maritime Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces | 93K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Upland-Glaciofluvial Plains and Beaches | 85K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Water, Saline | 60K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Upland-Glaciated Hills and Plains | 44K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Upland-Hills, Recently Glaciated | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southern Alaska Coastal Mountains-Maritime Upland-Hills, Recently Glaciated | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southern Alaska Coastal Mountains-Maritime Upland-Mountains | 906 | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 76% 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.