Fort Wainwright Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Very 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 Wainwright Area, Alaska.
| 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 |
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.