Gerstle River Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Gerstle River Area, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moosehead silt loam | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupine silt loam | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gerstle silt loam | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Liscum and Mosquito peats | 7K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aquic Eutrocryepts-Typic Cryaquepts complex | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Salchaket silt loam | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Jarvis-Chena complex | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cryofluvents, occasionally flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Histosols-Liscum complex | 3K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Eutrocryepts-Typic Histoturbels complex, steep | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aquic Eutrocryepts-Tanacross complex | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tanacross peat | 2K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Eutrocryepts-Typic Aquorthels complex, steep | 2K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupine and Moosehead silt loams | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cryofluvents, rarely flooded | 2K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Jarvis silt loam, moderately deep | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Volkmar silt loam | 1K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tetlin silt loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 1K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Eutrocryepts, steep | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 89% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.