Gulkana River Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK649• Alaska

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Gelisols — permafrost soils found in very cold climates. 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 Gulkana River 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
Mendna and Chelina soils, 0 to 10 percent slopes	15K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Klasi peat, 0 to 10 percent slopes	10K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mendna-Ewan complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	9K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cryorthents and Cryochrepts soils, 20 to 80 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Chelina and Mendna soils, 6 to 20 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Kuslinad-Kuslinad, very wet complex	3K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cryaquepts, 4 to 25 percent slopes	3K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Swillna, thin surface-Swillna complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pergelic Cryohemists-Mendna, very wet-Cryofibrists complex, 0 to 14 percent slopes	2K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Chelina loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Kuslinad peat	2K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cobblank and Telay soils, 2 to 16 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water, upland	2K			Very limited	Very limited
Maclaren-Kuslinad complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water, riverine	2K			Not rated	Not rated
Cryaquepts and Cryaquepts, very wet soils, 4 to 25 percent slopes	2K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pippod and Chistna soils, high elevation, 0 to 30 percent slopes	1K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Chistna and Pippod soils, 0 to 14 percent slopes	1K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Pergelic Cryohemists and Cryofibrists soils	1K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dackey-Hogan complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes	1K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	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.

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.

Inceptisols

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

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 92% 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 94% 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.