Fort Greely and Donnelly Training Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Fort Greely and Donnelly Training Area, Alaska.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% 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 92% 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.