Fort Wainwright Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK650• Alaska

The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Wainwright 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
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Alluvial Plains, Wet	449K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Fan Terraces and Stream Terraces	111K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilmore and Steese silt loams, 15 to 45 percent slopes	71K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Saulich and Chatanika soils, 3 to 15 percent slopes	24K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces, High Elevation	23K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Brigadier-Ester complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Goldstream-Histels complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	13K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Brigadier and Manchu silt loams, 3 to 45 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Saulich and Chatanika soils, 15 to 20 percent slopes	9K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ester peat, 20 to 45 percent slopes	8K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Chatanika-Goldstream complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Brigadier and Manchu silt loams, 3 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Steese-Gilmore complex, 30 to 45 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Volkmar-Richardson complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Histel and Mosquito soils	6K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tanacross peat	5K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Minto-Chatanika complex, 3 to 7 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Chatanika silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Steese silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Mosquito peat	5K	Very 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.

Inceptisols

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

Gelisols

Permafrost soils. Extremely challenging for construction and septic. Found almost exclusively in Alaska.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 100% 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 100% 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.