Fort Greely and Donnelly Training Area, Alaska
The most common soil here is Typic Histoturbels, on about 17% of the land. Typic Dystrocryepts and Histels come next.
About 40% of the land drains well, and 53% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 84% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 89% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 5% 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 Fort Greely and Donnelly Training 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typic Dystrocryepts-Turbels-Water complex, moraines | 40K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Histels, impact area | 39K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riverwash | 32K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Histels-Orthels-Turbels association | 28K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Histels-Typic Histoturbels-Typic Historthels complex | 26K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Histoturbels-Typic Aquiturbels-Terric Fibristels complex | 24K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Dystrocryepts-Turbels-Water complex, high moraines | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Historthels-Typic Histoturbels-Terric Fibristels, complex | 21K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Cryofolists-Typic Cryorthents-Typic Histoturbels complex | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Histoturbels-Typic Haploturbels-Typic Dystrogelepts association | 19K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Histoturbels-Typic Dystrocryepts-Water complex | 19K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Haploturbels-Typic Histoturbels-Histels complex | 19K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Dystrocryepts-Typic Histoturbels-Folists association | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Haplorthels-Typic Aquiturbels-Ruptic Histoturbels complex | 15K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Cryofluvents-Typic Dystrocryepts-Typic Histoturbels complex | 15K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Histoturbels | 14K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Butchlake-Southpaw complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nenana silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Histoturbels-Typic Dystrocryepts complex, ridges | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Dystrocryepts-Typic Cryaquepts-Aquic Dystrocryepts complex | 9K | Poorly drained | D | 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 89% 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. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.