Soil survey area

Chugach St. Elias and Boundary Ranges - Coastal Rainforest Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK777• Alaska

The short version

The most common soil here is E22-maritime subalpine wet meadow-scrub-organic slopes, on about 6% of the land. E22-maritime subalpine scrub-gravelly colluvial slopes and E22-maritime alpine scrub-gravelly colluvial slopes, shallow come next.

About 0% of the land drains well, and 4% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 5% of it.

USDA rates 49% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 49% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.

Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 96% of it.

Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.

The biggest mapped areas

The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Histosols — organic soils (peat/muck) formed in wetlands. 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 St. Elias and Boundary Ranges - Coastal Rainforest 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
Southern Alaska Coastal Mountains-Maritime Alpine-Barren Mountains	107K			Not rated	Not rated
Southern Alaska Coastal Mountains-Maritime Subalpine and Alpine-Mountains	92K			Very limited	Very limited
Southern Alaska Coastal Mountains-Maritime Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	8K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Southern Alaska Coastal Mountains-Maritime Upland-Mountains	4K	Moderately well drained	B/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.

Histosols

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

Entisols

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

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 49% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 49% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

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.