Copper River Area, Alaska
The most common soil here is Klawasi, on about 13% of the land. Copper River and Tolsona come next.
About 45% of the land drains well, and 52% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 54% of it.
USDA rates 72% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 67% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 3% 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 soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Copper River Area, Alaska, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Copper River 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 67% 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 72% 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.