De Long Mountains West and Noatak River Area, Alaska
The most common soil here is E43-Arctic scrub-sedge-gravelly frozen till slopes, on about 12% of the land. E43-Arctic dwarf scrub-gravelly colluvial slopes and E43-Arctic tussock-gravelly till slopes come next.
About 24% of the land drains well, and 57% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 81% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 98% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 11% 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 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 98% 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 98% 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.