Delta River Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Delta River Area, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schleyer-Geist complex, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Fields-Minya-Frostcircle association, 0 to 75 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riverwash | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Turbellina-Schleyer complex, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steps-Basaltlake association, 14 to 75 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frostcircle-Ogive association, 0 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Schleyer-Slana-Geist complex, 0 to 70 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shand-Bonot-Fels complex, 0 to 60 percent slopes | 2K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fields silt loam, 18 to 65 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Petrokov-Basaltlake-Castnot complex, 6 to 65 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCumberson-Phelanna complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Frostcircle peat, 0 to 25 percent slopes | 1K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swedna-Riverwash-Dackey complex | 1K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kuswash-Turbellina-Schleyer complex, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 1K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Skarland-Schleyer complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 1K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nizina-Nizina, rarely flooded, complex | 883 | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waitabit-Ogive complex, 22 to 60 percent slopes | 868 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dackey-Tangoe-Riverwash complex | 851 | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dackey-Tangoe-Riverwash, high elevation, complex | 851 | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 81% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 81% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.