De Long Mountains West and Noatak River Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK735• Alaska

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 De Long Mountains West and Noatak 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
Western Brooks Range Mountains, Foothills, and Valleys-Boreal Alpine-Glaciated Valleys	421K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Western Brooks Range Mountains, Foothills, and Valleys-Boreal Alpine-Rugged Mountains, Calcareous	202K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Western Brooks Range Mountains, Foothills, and Valleys-Boreal Alpine-Rounded Mountains	196K			Very limited	Very limited
Arctic Foothills-Arctic Upland-Hills and Plains	186K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Western Brooks Range Mountains, Foothills, and Valleys-Boreal Alpine and Upland-Plains and Hills, Calcareous	164K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Western Brooks Range Mountains, Foothills, and Valleys-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	138K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Western Brooks Range Mountains, Foothills, and Valleys-Boreal Alpine and Upland-Plains and Hills	75K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Water, Saline	60K			Very limited	Very limited
Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Arctic Lowland-Coastal Plains	60K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Arctic Foothills-Water, Saline	38K			Not limited	Not limited
Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Arctic Lowland-Coastal Plains, Low	29K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Northern Brooks Range Mountains-Arctic Upland-Rounded Mountains	16K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Western Brooks Range Mountains, Foothills, and Valleys-Boreal Alpine-Rolling Mountains, Calcareous	4K			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.

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

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

Mollisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 97% 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 97% 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.