Greater Delta 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 Greater Delta Area, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water-Riverwash complex | 44K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Nenana silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slope | 37K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gerstle-Moosehead complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Salchaket very fine sandy loam | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tanacross, occasionally flooded-Histels association | 16K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupine-Jarvis complex | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chatanika-Goldstream complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jarvis-Salchaket complex | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupine family-Beales complex, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nenana-Donnelly complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Koyukuk-Audrey family complex | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupine very fine sandy loam | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saulich-Chatanika complex, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tanana silt loam | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southpaw-Butchlake complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Lowlands, Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Steese silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairbanks silt loams, gullied, 7 to 70 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gerstle-Tanana complex | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gerstle-Tanacross families complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 55% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 78% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.