Copper River Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Copper River Area, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klawasi peat, cool, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 57K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tolsona peat, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 48K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mendeltna peat, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 46K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cryorthents consociation, 30 to 70 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Copper River peat, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 35K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gakona silt loam, cool, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tonsina silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Copper River peat, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 22K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cryohemists, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenny Lake silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gakona silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Strelna-Hanagita-Copper River complex, 15 to 55 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Pippin silt loam, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Klawasi peat, depressional, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gulkana silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Klawasi-Wrangell complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kuslina peat, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tsana taxadjunct silt loam, thin surface, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Klutina-Klutina taxadjunct, rarely flooded, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 72% 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 77% 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.