Greater Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks Area, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jarvis-Salchaket complex | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 21K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Tanana mucky silt loam | 13K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Goldstream peat, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairbanks silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chatanika mucky silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chatanika mucky silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steese silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chatanika-Goldstream complex | 8K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minto silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Salchaket very fine sandy loam | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eielson-Piledriver complex | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minto silt loam, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eielson fine sandy loam | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairbanks silt loam, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Minto-Chatanika complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steese silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minto-Chatanika complex, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Piledriver-Eielson complex | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 78% 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 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
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.